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, also known as Mars Bar Slice, are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their gooey texture and crunchy bite, they’re an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these squares stand out for their rich flavor and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
• No Baking Required: Enjoy all the fun of baking without turning on the oven—ideal for hot days!
• Gooey and Crunchy: The combination of melted Mars bars and Rice Krispies creates a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Customize your Mars Bar Squares with nuts or dried fruit for added flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll love mixing and pressing the ingredients together.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mars Bar Squares efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving that perfect gooey texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick baking pan
• Large saucepan
• Heatproof bowl
• Microwave
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick baking pan: Ensures easy removal of your squares after setting.
• Large saucepan: Allows enough space to melt ingredients without spilling.
• Heatproof bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate safely in the microwave.

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 unsalted butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Gently melt until fully liquefied.

Step 3: Add Mars Bars

Once the butter is melted, add the chopped Mars bars. Stir gently as they begin to melt into the butter.

Step 4: Stir Until Smooth

Continue stirring until smooth. If you notice separation, remove from heat and whisk until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice Krispies

Turn off the burner and stir in Rice Krispies. Mix until evenly coated with the melted mixture.

Step 6: Press into Pan

Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan. Press down gently using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased if needed).

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping

In a heatproof bowl, place milk chocolate chips. Microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until nearly melted. Stir until completely smooth.

Step 8: Spread Chocolate Over Bars

Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed mixture. Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until hardened 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 serving them at a party or as an after-dinner dessert, these squares are sure to please everyone.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with your favorite coffee or tea enhances the flavors and makes for a cozy treat.

Ice Cream Topping

• Crumble Mars Bar Squares over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

At Parties

• Cut into small squares and serve on a platter during gatherings; they make excellent finger food.

Kid’s Lunchboxes

• Pack a small square in kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise that they will love.

Gift Idea

• Wrap Mars Bar Squares in decorative paper and gift them to friends or family as a homemade treat.

Movie Night Snack

• Serve them alongside popcorn during movie nights for a sweet and salty combination.

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How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares

Perfecting your Mars Bar Squares is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Mars bars and chocolate will enhance the flavor and texture of your squares.

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier melting and mixing.

• Press Firmly: When pouring the mixture into the pan, press it down firmly to create compact squares that hold together well.

• Microwave Chocolate Gently: Melt chocolate chips carefully in short intervals to prevent burning; stir frequently for smoothness.

• Cool Completely: Allow your squares to cool at room temperature; this helps the chocolate set properly without becoming too hard.

Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares

While Mars Bar Squares are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the bars.

2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of light whipped cream adds creaminess and makes for an elegant presentation.

3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce can take this dessert to another level of decadence.

4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola provides a contrasting texture that complements the gooey squares.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layering with yogurt creates a deliciously creamy treat that lightens up the dessert table.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mars Bar Squares is easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your treat. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the baking pan can lead to sticking, making it tough to remove your squares. Always lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Overheating the chocolate: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize up. Use low heat and stir frequently to ensure a smooth melt.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the squares too soon can make them fall apart. Allow adequate cooling time for the chocolate layer to set properly.
• Using stale Rice Krispies: Stale cereal will lead to a less crispy texture. Always use fresh Rice Krispies for the best crunch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mars Bar Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can last for up to one week when stored properly.

Freezing Mars Bar Squares

• Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Mars Bar Squares

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place squares on a baking sheet for a few minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on low power in 10-second increments until warm but not melted.
• Stovetop: Place a square in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mars Bar Squares.

What are Mars Bar Squares?

Mars Bar Squares are no-bake treats made from melted Mars bars mixed with Rice Krispies, creating a gooey and crunchy dessert.

Can I use other chocolate bars?

Yes, you can substitute other chocolate bars in place of Mars bars. Try Snickers or Twix for a different flavor!

How do I make vegan Mars Bar Squares?

To make vegan Mars Bar Squares, use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate. This will keep the recipe plant-based while still delicious.

What’s the best way to cut Mars Bar Squares?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it dry between cuts for neat squares.

Final Thoughts

Mars Bar Squares are an irresistible treat that combines gooeyness with crunchiness, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize these squares by adding nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!