If you have a sweet tooth and love a no-fuss treat that packs a punch of nostalgic chocolatey goodness, this Mars Bar Squares Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine chewy Mars bars melting into buttery richness, combined with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies, all topped with glossy milk chocolate that sets into a perfectly indulgent bar. These squares are delightfully simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, making them perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few bites yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Mars Bar Squares right starts with a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create amazing taste and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that binds everything, to the iconic Mars bars that give it that signature caramel and nougat flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup adds creamy richness and helps bring the mixture together smoothly without overpowering flavors.
- Mars bars (chopped): Four bars provide that luscious chewy caramel and nougat that’s the heart of this recipe.
- Rice Krispies: Three cups offer a light, crispy crunch, balancing the gooey texture beautifully.
- Milk chocolate chips: One cup melts into a silky layer of chocolate that seals in all the goodness with a gorgeous finish.
How to Make Mars Bar Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lightly greasing an 8×8 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your squares will release easily once they’re perfectly set, making clean-cut edges way easier to achieve.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter slowly. This gentle melting helps preserve the butter’s flavor while creating a smooth base for the Mars bars to meld into.
Step 3: Combine the Mars Bars
Once the butter is melted, add the chopped Mars bars. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. The magic happens here as the caramel and nougat soften and swirl into the butter, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies
Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies until every crisp is coated in the luscious Mars-bar mixture. This step is key for adding the delightful crunch that contrasts with the rich, chewy base.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula. Don’t be shy—compressing it well helps the squares hold together once set, ensuring clean squares every time.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Topping
Place the milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and melt them in the microwave until smooth. This shiny chocolate layer will melt over the bars like a velvet blanket, adding that finishing touch you dream about.
Step 7: Spread the Chocolate and Set
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed mixture. Then, let the whole pan sit at room temperature for about two hours to set properly. This hands-off wait time builds delicious anticipation for the final reveal.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Once set, slice into squares and get ready for an irresistible treat. These bars are perfect as a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or an after-dinner indulgence.
How to Serve Mars Bar Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top can elevate these squares impressively. Adding a few crushed nuts, like toasted almonds or hazelnuts, brings an extra layer of texture and flavor contrast that’s fantastic.
Side Dishes
Pair these squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side can balance the sweetness and add a burst of freshness that brightens each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mars Bar Squares Recipe as mini bars on a dessert platter alongside other bite-sized sweets at parties. You could even layer them in a clear glass container with whipped cream and strawberries for a stunning trifle-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some of these delicious Mars Bar Squares, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, perfect for grabbing a quick treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing works like a charm. Just wrap individual squares in parchment or wax paper and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their texture.
Reheating
Though these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want that freshly-made melty feel. Just be careful not to overheat and lose the structural crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate bars instead of Mars bars?
Absolutely! While Mars bars provide a unique caramel and nougat combo, you can experiment with similar chocolate bars like Snickers or Milky Way for a different twist. Just make sure they melt smoothly for the best texture.
Is it necessary to use Rice Krispies, or can I substitute?
Rice Krispies offer that classic light, crispy crunch that balances the gooey Mars bars wonderfully. If you can’t find them, puffed rice cereals can work, but try to avoid anything too dense that may weigh down the bars.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Making Mars Bar Squares vegan is tricky because Mars bars themselves contain dairy and gelatin. However, you could try vegan caramel candy bars and a dairy-free butter alternative along with vegan chocolate chips as a custom adaptation.
How thick should I press the mixture in the pan?
Press the mixture so it’s evenly spread and fairly compact, roughly about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness helps the squares hold together without being too dense or crumbly when sliced.
Why should I let the chocolate set at room temperature and not in the fridge?
Setting the chocolate at room temperature prevents it from developing condensation, which can cause the chocolate to bloom and lose its shine or texture. It also ensures the whole bar sets evenly and keeps the best chewiness in the base layer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a wonderfully simple dessert with incredible flavors, the Mars Bar Squares Recipe is a game changer you need in your life. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely delicious every single time. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats for satisfying that sweet craving.
Print
Mars Bar Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously gooey Mars Bar Squares combine melted Mars bars and butter with crispy Rice Krispies, topped with a smooth layer of milk chocolate for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 Mars bars, chopped
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure the squares do not stick after setting.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Mars Bars: Add the chopped Mars bars to the melted butter and stir continuously until the mixture becomes fully combined and smooth, creating a luscious caramel-chocolate blend.
- Incorporate Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the Mars bar mixture.
- Press Mixture: Firmly press the coated cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Chocolate: Evenly spread the melted milk chocolate over the pressed cereal mixture in the pan.
- Set and Slice: Allow the squares to set at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm, then slice into 16 squares and enjoy your treat!
Notes
- Ensure the Mars bars are chopped into small pieces for easier melting.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the squares hold together.
- If desired, chill the squares in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the squares cleanly without crumbling.
