Mars Bar Cake is a classic British dessert that is popular for parties, bake sales and tea time. It is very simple to make and requires only a few ingredients and no oven. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes and enjoy it with your family and friends.
Mary Berry is a famous British baker, author, and TV personality. She is best known for her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, a popular baking show. She has written over 70 cookbooks and has many easy and foolproof recipes.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s Mars Bar Cake step by step. I will also share some tips and tricks on how to make the best Mars Bar Cake ever.
You will learn how to:
- Cut the Mars bars
- Melt them with butter and golden syrup
- Mix them with rice crispies
- Spread the chocolate topping
- Cut the cake into squares
You will also find out how to store and freeze the cake, and how to make some variations of the recipe.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake?
Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake is a no-bake dessert that is made with crispy rice cereal, melted Mars bars, butter, golden syrup, and chocolate. It is a classic British treat that is chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey.
Why You Love this Recipe
- It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients and no oven.
- It is delicious and satisfying and perfect for any occasion.
- It is chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey, and everyone will love it.
- It can be customized with different toppings and variations.
Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 Mars bars (or equivalent chocolate nougat bars)
- 120 g (1/2 cup) butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 300 g (3 cups) rice crispies (or equivalent puffed rice cereal)
- 150 g (1 cup) milk chocolate
Equipment
You will need the following equipment:
- A 9Ă—9 inch (23Ă—23 cm) square baking tin
- Parchment paper
- A large saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A glass bowl
- A microwave or a double boiler
- A knife
Method to Make Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake
Here are the instructions on how to make Mary Berry’s Mars Bar Cake recipe:
Step 1: Cut the Mars bars
The first step is to cut the Mars bars into small pieces. This will help them melt faster and more evenly. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to do this. You don’t have to be very precise, just chop them roughly.
Step 2: Melt the Mars bars, butter, and golden syrup
The next step is to melt the Mars bars, butter, and golden syrup together in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon until it is smooth and glossy. This may take some time, as the nougat and caramel in the Mars bars can be quite sticky and resistant to melting. Be patient and don’t increase the heat too much, as you don’t want to burn the mixture.
Step 3: Add the rice crispies
Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove it from the heat and add the rice crispies. Stir well with the wooden spoon until all the cereal is coated with the syrupy mixture. You may need to add more or less rice crispies depending on how gooey or crunchy you like your cake.
Step 4: Press the mixture into the tin
Line a 9Ă—9 inch (23Ă—23 cm) square baking tin with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture into the tin and spread it evenly with the back of the spoon. Press it firmly into the corners and edges of the tin. You want to compact the mixture as much as possible so that it holds together when you cut it later.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate
Break the milk chocolate into small pieces and place them in a glass bowl. You can melt the chocolate in two ways: either in the microwave or in a double boiler.
To melt the chocolate in the microwave, heat it for 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until it is smooth and shiny. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can burn easily.
To melt the chocolate in a double boiler, fill a saucepan with some water and bring it to a simmer. Place the glass bowl over the saucepan, making sure that it doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is melted and smooth.
Step 6: Spread the chocolate over the cake
Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula or a knife. You can make swirls or patterns on the chocolate if you like. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or candy on top of the chocolate for some extra crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Refrigerate the cake
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set. You can also leave it overnight if you prefer.
Step 8: Cut the cake into squares
Remove the cake from the tin and peel off the parchment paper. Cut the cake into squares with a sharp knife. You can make them as big or as small as you like. I usually cut them into 16 pieces, but you can make more or less depending on your preference.
How do I Serve Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake?
Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that can be served in many ways.
Here are some suggestions on how to serve it:
- Cut into small squares and drizzle caramel sauce over them. Serve as finger food or snack.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream on the side. Enjoy the contrast of textures and temperatures.
- Decorate with mini Mars Bars or chocolate chips on top. Add some sea salt flakes or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Complement the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
Variations of Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake
Dive into the world of cake alchemy with these delightful variations on the Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake. Every tweak holds the promise of a unique flavor and texture!
- Chocolate Varieties: Switch it up with white, dark, or milk chocolate for your topping. Each brings its own twist!
- Add-Ons: Think chopped nuts for a rustic crunch, vivid sprinkles for a pop of color, or mini marshmallows to add a soft bite.
- Shape Shifters: Whether a round elegance, a square classic, or a playful shape like stars or circles, choose your mold! Employ cookie cutters or a deft knife for those custom shapes.
- Batter Boosters: Introduce chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries to your batter. Trade traditional cereals with cornflakes, puffed rice, or granola for a diversified bite.
- Vegan Voyage: Make it vegan-friendly! Go for dairy-free butter, chocolate, and golden syrup. Vegan marshmallows are a win, but if you’re keen on minimalism, skip them. Rice Krispies or Cheerios will serve your vegan cereal needs.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Opt for gluten-free flour and cereals. Replace Mars bars with gluten-free candy alternatives like Snickers or Milky Way.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mars Bar Cake:
Here are some tips and tricks on how to make the best Mars Bar Cake ever:
- Quality Counts: Your ingredient quality is the cake’s soul. Prioritize top-notch Mars bars, butter, golden syrup, and chocolate.
- Golden Rule of Golden Syrup: It’s the bridge to that smooth, gooey Mars bar consistency, enhancing the cake with a caramel undertone. Corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup can be alternatives but expect a subtle flavor shift.
- Rice Crispy Ratio: Adjust according to your texture preference. Gooey? Lessen them. Craving a crunch? Pile them on!
- Chocoholic Choices: While milk chocolate is a favorite, don’t shy away from dark, white, or even a melange of chocolates. Do you have chocolate chips? Use them!
- Recipe Remix: Be the chef-artist of your Mars Bar Canvas! Perhaps a dash of nuts, dried fruits, or candy for layers of delight. And for an opulent finish, drizzle caramel sauce, peanut butter, or Nutella atop your chocolate crown.
How to Store and Freeze Mars Bar Cake
You can store Mars Bar Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze Mars Bar Cake for up to 3 months. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw it, let it sit at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake?
You don’t need to reheat Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake, as it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you want to warm it up slightly, you can microwave it for a few seconds or place it in a low oven for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat it, as the chocolate may melt and the cake may lose its shape.
Nutrition
The Nutritional value of one serving of Mars Bar Cake (based on a 16-piece cut) is:
- Calories: 171
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
- Sodium: 126 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
Other Mary Berry Cakes Recipe
- Mary Berry Lemon Courgette Cake
- Mary Berry Coconut Cake Recipe
- Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Blueberry Loaf Cake
- Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake
FAQs
How do I make Mars Bar Cake without golden syrup?
You can make Mars Bar Cake without golden syrup by using corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup instead. These are similar sweeteners that will help the Mars Bars melt and bind with the cereal. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.
How do I cut Mars Bar Cake neatly?
To cut Mars Bar Cake neatly, you need to let it set completely in the refrigerator before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. You can also dip the knife in hot water and dry it before cutting to make it easier.
Can I use other types of cereal for Mars Bar Cake?
Yes, you can use other types of cereal for Mars Bar Cake, such as cornflakes, bran flakes, or granola. However, the result may be less crispy and more crumbly than using rice crispies. You may also need to adjust the amount of cereal depending on how thick or thin you want your cake to be.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake recipe and found it easy to follow. This is a delicious and easy no-bake treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey, and everyone will love it.
If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Happy baking!
Mary Berry Jams Recipe: