I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I’d just come across the recipe while scrolling through his website. I thought, “How hard could it be to make a cake out of Mars Bars”? The answer was: not hard at all! In fact, it was surprisingly simple and required just a few ingredients that I already had lying around in my kitchen. By the time I was finished, I had a decadent treat that was so good, it quickly became my go-to dessert for casual gatherings and family nights.
If you’re new to Mars Bar Cake, you’re in for a real treat. It’s rich, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying. The recipe brings together classic chocolate, caramel, and marshmallow flavors in a way that feels indulgent but is still easy enough for even the most novice baker to pull off.
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is everything you need when craving something sweet but want to avoid the fuss of traditional baking. No oven. No layers. Just melt and mix. It’s a no-bake dessert that brings together crispy rice, melted Mars Bars, butter, and a chocolate topping. The texture is chewy, crispy, and smooth all at once.
The first time I made it, I realized that this dessert wasn’t just for kids. It hit that sweet spot between nostalgic childhood favorites and grown-up indulgence. Now, every time I make it, it’s a hit at parties, barbecues, or just as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a special trip to the store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mars Bars (4-5 bars): The heart of the recipe. These will give the cake its signature flavor and texture, thanks to the caramel, chocolate, and nougat.
- Butter (100g): Used to melt the Mars Bars and help everything come together.
- Rice Krispies (about 6 cups): These provide that satisfying crunch that balances out the gooeyness of the Mars Bars.
- Dark Chocolate (100g): For the topping. The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Mars Bars.
- Golden Syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and a smooth consistency to the mix.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): A dash of this will enhance the flavor and bring a little extra depth.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake
Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dessert in your own kitchen. It’s quick and simple!
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Prepare The Rice Krispies
- Place your Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl and set them aside.
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Melt The Mars Bars & Butter
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the Mars Bars, butter, and golden syrup. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Once melted, the mixture will be gooey and sticky. Pour it over your Rice Krispies, making sure they’re evenly coated.
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Mix It Up
- Use a spatula to fold everything together gently, ensuring that the Rice Krispies are well-covered by the melted Mars Bar mixture.
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Press Into A Pan
- Transfer the sticky mixture into a greased 8×8-inch square pan. Press it down with a spatula to form an even layer.
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Add The Chocolate Topping
- Melt your dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl (you can use the microwave or a double boiler).
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie mixture and smooth it out with a spatula.
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Chill
- Place the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow everything to set.
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Slice And Serve
- Once the cake has set, slice it into squares and enjoy!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake plays a specific role. Here’s a quick breakdown of the science behind each one:
- Mars Bars: These are the foundation of the cake. They’re made of nougat, caramel, and chocolate, which, when melted, form a rich gooey consistency that binds the crispy rice together.
- Butter: The butter acts as a base for the melted Mars Bars, ensuring the mixture has a smooth, glossy texture. It also adds richness and flavor.
- Rice Krispies: The rice cereal provides crunch and lightness, giving the dessert a nice texture contrast against the gooeyness of the melted candy and chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is bitter and slightly tangy, which balances the sweetness of the Mars Bars and creates a shiny, firm topping.
- Golden Syrup: This ingredient adds sweetness and moisture. It helps the Mars Bars melt smoothly and binds the ingredients without becoming too thick or sticky.
- Vanilla Extract: If you choose to use it, vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, making the cake taste more complex without overpowering the main ingredients.
Expert Tips
- Go for crispy rice: While Rice Krispies are classic, feel free to use any crispy rice cereal. Just make sure it’s light and airy for the perfect crunch.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate: When melting dark chocolate, do it slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Overheating can make it seize up.
- Be patient while it chills: Let the cake sit in the fridge long enough for the chocolate topping to firm up. If you cut it too soon, it might get a bit messy.
- Add a pinch of salt: A small sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate can enhance the sweetness of the cake and add a sophisticated touch.
Recipe Variations
While the traditional recipe is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to your personal taste:
- Nutty Mars Bar Cake: Add crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a bit of crunch and a savory contrast.
- Peanut Butter Mars Bar Cake: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter into the melted Mars Bars mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Marshmallow Madness: Add mini marshmallows to the Rice Krispies before mixing them with the Mars Bar syrup. This creates even more gooeyness.
- Use White Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, white chocolate makes for a sweet and creamy topping.
Final Words
This Mars Bar Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic, feel-good treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or just in the mood for something sweet, this recipe is the perfect choice. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
Melt butter and Mars Bars together, then mix in rice krispies and pour into a lined tray. Let it set in the fridge and top with chocolate.
Can I Substitute The Rice Krispies In Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
Yes, you can use cornflakes or other crispy cereals if you prefer.
How Long Should I Refrigerate Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
Chill the cake for about 1-2 hours until it sets properly.