Mars Bar Squares
What do you get when you melt together chocolate bars and mix them with Rice Krispies? These delicious, no-bake Mars Bar Squares AKA Mars Bar Slice. They’re gooey, crunchy, topped with milk chocolate, and absolutely addictive. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an afternoon treat, these squares are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful squares in no time.
- No-Bake Treat – Enjoy all the flavor without the hassle of turning on the oven.
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of melted Mars bars and crunchy Rice Krispies creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert – Perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family gatherings or just a sweet snack at home.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Mars Bar Squares, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch baking pan – This size is perfect for creating thick squares that hold their shape well.
- Large saucepan – A larger pan allows for easy melting without splatter or mess.
- Heatproof bowl – Ideal for melting chocolate safely in the microwave without risk of damage.
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 the Pan
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt Butter
In a large saucepan, add the unsalted butter. Melt over low heat until it’s completely liquid.
Step 3: Add Mars Bars
Once melted, add the chopped Mars bars. Stir gently as they begin to melt into the butter.
Step 4: Combine Until Smooth
Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. If it starts to separate, remove it from heat and whisk until combined.
Step 5: Mix in Rice Krispies
Turn off the burner. Stir in the Rice Krispies, making sure they’re evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
Step 6: Press into Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan. Gently press it down using a greased spatula or non-stick cooking spray on your hands if needed.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping
In a heatproof bowl, combine your milk chocolate chips. Microwave on medium power for 45-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Step 8: Add Chocolate Layer
Spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie mixture. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm before slicing into squares.
Enjoy your homemade Mars Bar Squares!
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, here are some creative serving suggestions.
For a Sweet Snack
- Coffee Pairing: Serve your Mars Bar Squares with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Milk Dip: Offer a small glass of cold milk for dipping. This adds an extra layer of creaminess to the already gooey squares.
At a Party
- Dessert Platter: Arrange cut squares on a colorful platter alongside other sweets. This makes for an attractive dessert table.
- Mini Treat Boxes: Package individual squares in small treat boxes as party favors. Guests will love taking these home!
With Ice Cream
- À la Mode: Top each square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warm chocolate and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
- Sundae Style: Crumble Mars Bar Squares over your favorite sundae. It adds a fun crunch and delicious flavor.
As Breakfast Treats
- With Yogurt: Crumble squares over Greek yogurt for a sweet breakfast option. This combination is both satisfying and nutritious.
- On Toast: Spread some nut butter on toast and add chopped Mars Bar Squares on top for an energizing start to your day.
How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your Mars Bar Squares, follow these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your Mars bars and chocolate are fresh. This enhances the overall taste.
- Low Heat Melting: Always melt butter and chocolate over low heat to avoid burning, which can ruin the flavor.
- Press Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, make sure it’s compact. This helps the squares hold their shape when sliced.
- Allow Proper Cooling: Let the chocolate topping set completely before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and prevents messy squares.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate for added texture and flavor.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness or provide balance. Here are some options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the squares.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is perfect for dolloping beside your treats, adding creaminess.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce makes everything richer and even more decadent.
- Nutty Granola: Serve with granola for a crunchy contrast; its nuttiness pairs well with the chocolatey bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a savory counterpoint to the sweet squares, creating balance on your plate.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Provide caramel sauce for dipping—its sweetness complements the existing flavors nicely.
- Ice Cream Cone Crumbles: Crush some ice cream cones to sprinkle over servings; they add crunch and visual appeal.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can be served alongside or sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mars Bar Squares is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to ensure your treats turn out perfectly!
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the pan can lead to stuck squares. Always grease your baking pan to make removal easy.
- Overheating the mixture: Melting the butter and Mars bars too aggressively can cause separation. Use low heat and stir continuously for a smooth blend.
- Not pressing down firmly: If you don’t press the mixture firmly into the pan, it may crumble when sliced. Use a spatula or your hands to compact it well.
- Rushing the cooling process: Cutting into warm squares can result in a gooey mess. Allow them to cool for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture.
- Using low-quality chocolate: Poor chocolate can affect flavor and texture. Opt for good quality milk chocolate for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mars Bar Squares in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mars Bar Squares
- Place squares in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Mars Bar Squares
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until slightly soft.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mars Bar Squares?
Mars Bar Squares, also known as Mars Bar Slice, are no-bake treats made with melted chocolate bars mixed with Rice Krispies.
How long do Mars Bar Squares need to cool?
Mars Bar Squares should cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature before slicing.
Can I customize my Mars Bar Squares?
Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even swap Mars bars with other chocolate bars for different flavors.
Are there any alternatives to Rice Krispies?
You can use other crispy cereals or even crushed cookies as a substitute for Rice Krispies in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Mars Bar Squares are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their gooey and crunchy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!
Mars Bar Squares
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Mars Bar Squares are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the rich, gooey goodness of melted Mars bars with the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings at home. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these addictive squares that everyone will love. Topped with a luscious layer of milk chocolate, these treats not only look impressive but taste divine, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 Mars bars (chopped)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add chopped Mars bars to the melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies until well coated.
- Press the mixture into the greased pan evenly.
- Melt milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl using microwave intervals until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie base and let it set at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
