Mars Bar Squares
What do you get when you melt together chocolate bars and mix them with Rice Krispies? You get the delightful Mars Bar Squares! This no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. The combination of gooey Mars bars and crunchy Rice Krispies topped with smooth milk chocolate makes for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and absolutely addictive, these squares are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these treats in no time!
- No Baking Required: Perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Gooey and Crunchy: The blend of melted chocolate bars and crispy cereal creates the perfect texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet snack at home.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Mars Bar Squares, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan
- Spatula or spoon
- Microwave
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan: This is crucial for melting the butter and Mars bars together evenly without burning them.
- Heatproof bowl: Necessary for melting the chocolate chips in the microwave without risking damage to other materials.
- Spatula or spoon: Helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly and spreading the mixture into the baking pan.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 53 gram Mars bars (chopped)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies (aka Rice Bubbles)
For the Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)
How to Make Mars Bar Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Add the unsalted butter to a large saucepan. Gently melt it over low heat until it’s completely liquid.
Step 3: Add Mars Bars
Stir in the chopped Mars bars. Keep stirring as they begin to melt with the butter.
Step 4: Stir Until Smooth
Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth. If it starts to separate, remove from heat and whisk until combined.
Step 5: Add Rice Krispies
Turn off the burner. Stir in the Rice Krispies/Rice Bubbles, mixing until they are fully coated.
Step 6: Press Mixture into Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or non-stick cooking spray on your hands to press it down firmly.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping
In a heatproof bowl, add your milk chocolate chips. Microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring each time. Once nearly melted, stir until smooth.
Step 8: Spread Chocolate and Chill
Spread the melted chocolate over your pressed mixture. Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until hardened before slicing into squares.
Enjoy your delicious Mars Bar Squares as a sweet treat that everyone will adore!
How to Serve Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these squares offer versatility in serving.
For a Sweet Snack
- Pair with coffee or tea – The rich chocolate flavors complement the bitterness of coffee or the warmth of tea.
- Add some fresh fruit – Slices of strawberries or bananas provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet squares.
At Parties
- Create a dessert platter – Arrange the Mars Bar Squares with other desserts for a beautifully varied spread.
- Serve with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.
As Gifts
- Package in decorative boxes – Perfect for giving as gifts during holidays or special occasions.
- Include a personal note – A handwritten note can make your gift even more special and thoughtful.
For Special Occasions
- Present on a tiered cake stand – Elevate your dessert presentation with an attractive stand, perfect for celebrations.
- Top with sprinkles or nuts – Adding decorative toppings can enhance visual appeal and texture.
How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares
Perfecting Mars Bar Squares is all about achieving that ideal balance of gooey and crunchy textures. Here are some tips to ensure your squares turn out perfectly every time.
- Use fresh ingredients – Ensure your Mars bars and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor.
- Melt slowly – Heat the butter and chocolate mixture gently to avoid burning or separating the ingredients.
- Press firmly – When spreading the Rice Krispie mixture in the pan, press down firmly to create compact squares that hold together well.
- Cool completely – Allow the squares to cool fully at room temperature before slicing to maintain shape and firmness.
- Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to prolong freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares
While Mars Bar Squares are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, it adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich fudge-like squares.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle over each square for an extra indulgent treat; it enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix offers textural diversity, making each bite more exciting.
- Coffee Ice Cream Floats – Combining coffee ice cream with fizzy soda creates a fun dessert drink alongside your squares.
- Mini Cheesecakes – These can serve as an elegant counterpart to the richness of the Mars Bar Squares, offering variety on your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mars Bar Squares can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overheating the mixture: Too high heat can cause the butter and chocolate bars to separate. Always melt them gently over low heat for a smooth consistency.
- Not greasing the pan: Forgetting to grease your baking pan may result in sticking. Use a light coating of butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
- Skipping the stirring step: If you don’t stir consistently while melting, the mixture may not blend well. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Using stale Rice Krispies: Old cereal can lead to a soggy texture. Always check that your Rice Krispies are fresh for that perfect crunch.
- Rushing the cooling time: Cutting into the squares too early can make them fall apart. Allow adequate time for the chocolate to harden before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep in a cool, dry place in your fridge.
Freezing Mars Bar Squares
- Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mars Bar Squares
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan on low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mars Bar Squares:
What are Mars Bar Squares?
Mars Bar Squares are no-bake treats made by melting Mars bars and mixing them with Rice Krispies, resulting in a crunchy yet gooey dessert.
Can I customize my Mars Bar Squares?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or swap out Mars bars for other chocolate bars like Snickers or Twix for different flavors.
How do I know when my Mars Bar Squares are ready?
The squares should be firm when cooled and the chocolate topping should be set. Allow at least 2 hours at room temperature after assembly.
Are Mars Bar Squares suitable for special diets?
These treats contain gluten and dairy due to Rice Krispies and chocolate. However, you can use gluten-free cereal and dairy-free chocolate for alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Mars Bar Squares are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying them as a treat or sharing with friends, their gooey texture and crunchy bits make them irresistible! Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful experience.
Mars Bar Squares
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the joy of Mars Bar Squares, a delightful no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of melted Mars bars with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. With just a few ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip up these irresistible squares that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Topped with smooth milk chocolate, they offer the perfect balance of gooey and crunchy textures. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with friends, Mars Bar Squares are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 Mars bars (chopped)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Lightly grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat until liquid.
- Stir in the chopped Mars bars until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in the Rice Krispies until fully coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie mixture.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
