I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake. I was at a friend’s house for a casual gathering. We were talking about simple treats when someone brought out a tray of this gooey, sticky cake. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and Mars Bars was a revelation. It wasn’t fancy, but it tasted like the perfect mix of childhood nostalgia and pure indulgence. And it turned out, it was Jamie Oliver’s recipe.
It didn’t take long for me to try making it myself. The process was surprisingly easy, and the results were always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe has become a go-to whenever I’m craving a treat that’s sweet, rich, and simple to whip up in no time. If you’re new to it, let me take you through the steps and all the delicious details.
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. The recipe is incredibly straightforward-no baking required, just a few ingredients, and some mixing.
When I first made it, I didn’t quite understand why such a simple dessert could turn out so well. But once I tasted it, I got it. It’s a dessert where every component works in perfect harmony: the crispy rice, the sticky sweetness of the Mars Bars, and that layer of melted chocolate on top. It’s comforting yet indulgent.
Here’s How You Can Make It
- Mars Bars – the stars of the show, adding chewy caramel and chocolate flavor.
- Butter – to melt with the Mars Bars, helping to bind everything together.
- Rice Krispies – for crunch, texture, and an irresistible contrast to the gooey bits.
- Chocolate – melted to coat the top and give that glossy finish.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s talk about the ingredients. This cake is incredibly forgiving and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Here’s the list you’ll need:
- 4 Mars Bars: These are the heart of the cake, offering chewy caramel and chocolate layers.
- 150g Butter: This helps melt the Mars Bars and bind everything together.
- 3 cups Rice Krispies: These provide the crunch and absorb all the gooey caramel goodness.
- 200g Milk Chocolate: For that silky, shiny topping that makes it feel like a dessert you’ve spent hours preparing (even though you haven’t).
- A pinch of salt (optional): If you love sweet-salty combos, a little salt goes a long way to enhance the flavors.
When I first made this, I didn’t realize how much the balance of ingredients mattered. Too much butter, and the cake could become too greasy. Too little Rice Krispies, and it might just be a gooey mess. But once you find the perfect ratio, it’s magic.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake
Making Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is super easy. There’s no oven required-just a bit of stirring and melting. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop the Mars Bars into small pieces.
- Prepare a square baking pan (about 8 inches) lined with parchment paper.
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Melt The Mars Bars And Butter
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped Mars Bars.
- Stir until the Mars Bars are fully melted into a smooth, gooey mix. This is where the magic happens!
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Mix In The Rice Krispies
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Rice Krispies and stir gently until they’re fully coated in the melted Mars Bar mixture.
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Press Into The Pan
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly to ensure everything sticks together.
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Melt The Chocolate
- Break the milk chocolate into pieces and melt it in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double-boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts.
- Once melted, pour the chocolate over the top of the Rice Krispies mixture and spread it out evenly.
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Chill And Set
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour until it’s set. Once firm, cut it into squares, and you’re ready to serve!
The first time I made this, I was blown away by how simple it was. No baking involved, and it still turned out as a rich, decadent treat.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Every ingredient in Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake serves a specific purpose. Let’s break down the science behind the magic:
- Mars Bars: These are packed with sugar, cocoa, and milk, giving the cake a sweet and creamy texture. The caramel in the Mars Bars creates that irresistible chewiness.
- Butter: Butter not only helps to melt the Mars Bars but also adds richness. It prevents the mixture from becoming too stiff and makes it easier to press into the pan.
- Rice Krispies: These are lightweight and crispy, and they soak up the sticky Mars Bar mixture. When you press them into the pan, they create a solid but crumbly base that contrasts nicely with the gooey caramel layer.
- Milk Chocolate: This is the final layer of indulgence. The chocolate hardens in the fridge, creating a glossy topping that adds sweetness and balances the chewy texture below.
I’ve learned that the texture of the Rice Krispies is the real secret. They provide just enough crunch to contrast with all the gooey richness.
Expert Tips
Want to take your Mars Bar Cake to the next level? Here are a few expert tips:
- Use quality chocolate: While the recipe calls for milk chocolate, using a high-quality brand can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Let it chill long enough: Don’t rush the chilling process. If the cake isn’t fully set, it can be too gooey to cut properly.
- Cut with a hot knife: When you cut the cake, dip the knife in hot water first. This prevents the chocolate from cracking and helps you get clean cuts.
- Add a little sea salt: A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top before refrigerating brings out the sweetness of the chocolate and Mars Bars in a way that’s simply divine.
I tried this once when I made it for a party, and everyone was raving about how the salt enhanced the flavors.
Recipe Variations
Although Jamie’s recipe is amazing as it is, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:
- Dark chocolate: Switch out the milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor and a more sophisticated twist.
- Peanut Butter: For a sweet-and-salty combo, add a layer of smooth peanut butter to the Rice Krispies mix before setting it.
- Add nuts: For extra crunch, mix in some chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the Rice Krispies layer.
- Marshmallows: A few mini marshmallows mixed into the Rice Krispies creates even more gooeyness.
I’ve experimented with a few of these variations, and the peanut butter version is definitely a crowd favorite.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is the kind of recipe that shows you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something extraordinary. It’s perfect for every occasion-whether you’re hosting a party, needing a quick dessert, or just want to satisfy a sweet craving. The best part? You can make it in less than an hour, and it will always impress.
I’ve made this cake countless times, and it’s never failed to bring a smile to my face. If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and delicious treat, this is your go-to recipe.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
To make it, melt butter, Mars Bars, and golden syrup. Once melted, mix in crispy rice cereal. Then press it into a tray and chill it in the fridge to set.
Can I Use Another Type Of Chocolate For Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
Yes, you can try milk or dark chocolate, but Mars Bars give it that unique flavor, so it may change the taste a little.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Need To Set?
It usually takes about 2-3 hours in the fridge for it to firm up properly.