It’s a rainy Saturday morning, and I’m rummaging through my kitchen in search of something indulgent to make. A recipe for Mars Bar Cake pops up on my phone. I remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s house. The perfect balance of chewy, sticky, and chocolatey goodness instantly made me a fan. It was so simple but so delicious. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked.
If you’ve never made a Mars Bar Cake, trust me, you’re in for a treat. This no-bake dessert has a cult following, and for good reason. The combination of Mars Bars, butter, and chocolate is pure magic. Plus, with Jamie Oliver’s recipe, it’s all about keeping it easy while delivering maximum flavor.
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
Jamie Oliver’s take on the Mars Bar Cake doesn’t just follow the basics; it elevates them. I love how he keeps the process fuss-free. There’s no baking involved, which is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but can’t be bothered with turning on the oven.
The best part? You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, and it’s guaranteed to impress. So let’s dive into his recipe and how it’s made.
Ingredients Needed
To get started, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen:
- Mars Bars (4-5 bars, depending on size)
- Butter (around 100g)
- Rice Krispies (about 100g)
- Chocolate (200g – milk or dark depending on your preference)
- Golden Syrup (2 tablespoons)
- Optional toppings (like chopped nuts or extra chocolate)
I remember the first time I made this cake, I had no idea about the rice Krispies. I thought it sounded strange-until I saw how they gave it that crispy texture. That crunch against the sticky sweetness is what makes it irresistible.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake
Making this cake is as simple as it gets. Here’s how I usually do it:
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Melt The Butter And Golden Syrup
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and golden syrup together. Stir until smooth and combined.
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Add Mars Bars
- Chop the Mars Bars into small pieces. Add them to the melted butter and syrup. Keep stirring until the Mars Bars melt down into a sticky gooey mixture. The scent is heavenly!
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Stir In Rice Krispies
- Add the Rice Krispies to the melted Mars Bar mixture and mix well. It should look like a sticky, crispy batter.
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Set The Mixture
- Spoon the mixture into a lined baking tray. Press it down with the back of a spoon to make it compact. Let it set in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.
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Prepare The Chocolate Topping
- While the base is setting, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Pour the melted chocolate over the set base.
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Let It Chill
- Once the chocolate has set on top, pop the tray back into the fridge to fully chill for about 1-2 hours. Once it’s firm, slice it into squares and enjoy!
It’s the type of recipe that doesn’t demand precision but delivers big-time flavor.
Ingredient Science Spotlight: Why This Works
Let’s break down what makes this Mars Bar Cake so magical:
- Mars Bars: The caramel and nougat filling melt beautifully, creating a soft, chewy base. This adds richness and depth.
- Rice Krispies: They provide the crispy texture, making each bite an exciting contrast to the gooeyness of the Mars Bars.
- Butter: It brings everything together, giving the dessert a smooth texture and helping to bind everything.
- Golden Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness and smooths out the flavor profile. It’s like liquid sugar that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Chocolate: The topping holds everything in place, offering that perfect finish.
I think it’s the balance between the sticky and the crunchy that makes it so addicting. The combination of ingredients is a symphony of textures and flavors.
Expert Tips For The Best Mars Bar Cake
After making this a handful of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to perfect the recipe:
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate topping makes a difference. Go for a quality brand for a richer, smoother taste.
- Cool the Base Properly: Patience is key. Let the base cool before adding the chocolate topping to avoid a runny mess.
- Chill It Long Enough: Don’t rush the setting time in the fridge. A couple of hours is ideal for getting that perfect bite.
- Add Your Twist: If you like, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or even drizzle extra caramel over the top for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative!
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few ways you can mix it up:
- Peanut Butter Version: Add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the melted Mars Bars for a salty-sweet twist.
- Vegan Mars Bar Cake: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate. The flavor is still rich and indulgent.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a nuttier bite.
Each of these variations brings something new while keeping the essence of the Mars Bar Cake intact.
Final Words: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mars Bar Cake is all about comfort. It’s simple, quick, and it delivers a major hit of sweetness. The best part? You don’t have to be a master baker to make it. It’s the perfect treat to whip up on a lazy afternoon or for a last-minute gathering.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
The key ingredients are Mars bars, butter, rice krispies, and chocolate.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Need To Chill?
It needs to chill for about 1-2 hours to set properly.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Without Rice Krispies?
You could substitute rice krispies with a similar crispy cereal or crushed biscuits for a different texture.