Alright, let’s start with the basics.
Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is not your typical layered sponge. There’s no flour, no baking and definitely no fuss. It’s more like a chewy chocolate slab loaded with chopped Mars Bars, crispy rice cereal and melted goodness that sets in the fridge.
Think of it as a supercharged Rice Krispie treat. But instead of marshmallows, you’re using chopped up Mars Bars. which melt down into a thick, fudgy sauce thanks to the nougat and caramel inside. Once it cools and sets, you slice it up into bars or squares and they’re rich, chewy and absolutely irresistible.
It’s quick. It’s fun. And it’s dangerously easy to eat too much of.
Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need. No fancy stuff. Most of this is either in your kitchen already or a short grocery trip away.
- 4 Mars Bars (standard size, about 51g each)
- 90g unsalted butter (around 6 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons golden syrup (or substitute with corn syrup or honey if you’re outside the UK)
- 3 cups puffed rice cereal (Rice Krispies do the job perfectly)
- 200g milk chocolate (for topping. the better the chocolate, the better the finish)
Optional but nice:
- A pinch of sea salt (if you want to cut the sweetness a bit)
- A handful of mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for texture
That’s it. Simple, right?
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what to grab:
- A medium saucepan
- A heatproof bowl
- A rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 8-inch square baking tin (lined with parchment for easy removal)
- Knife (for chopping Mars Bars)
- Small offset spatula or spoon (to spread melted chocolate)
Honestly, if you’ve got a stove and a fridge, you’re halfway there.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake
Here comes the fun part.
Step 1: Chop And Melt
Chop up the Mars Bars into small chunks. Don’t stress about making them perfect. they’re just going to melt anyway.
In your saucepan over low heat, add the chopped Mars Bars, butter and golden syrup. Stir gently and let it all melt together. The nougat in the Mars Bars can take a while to break down but be patient. Stir often so nothing burns.
What you’re looking for is a thick, smooth, glossy mixture. It might look split at first. That’s okay. Just keep stirring and it’ll come together.
Step 2: Mix In The Cereal
Once the mixture is smooth, take it off the heat. Toss in your puffed rice cereal and stir to coat every piece.
If you’re adding anything extra like marshmallows or nuts, now’s the time.
Step 3: Press And Chill
Scoop the mixture into your lined baking tin. Press it down firmly. really get into those corners. A flat-bottomed glass or the back of a spoon works great here.
Then let it cool while you melt your chocolate.
Step 4: Chocolate Topping
Melt your milk chocolate either in the microwave (short bursts, stir between each) or over a double boiler. Once smooth, pour it over your cooled base. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top if you like that sweet-salty vibe.
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least an hour or until set.
Step 5: Slice And Serve
Once it’s firm, lift it out of the tin and cut into bars or squares. Pro tip: run your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing for clean cuts.
What I Learnt
Making this cake taught me a few things.
First, patience pays off when melting Mars Bars. The nougat doesn’t want to behave but if you rush it, you’ll burn the mix. Keep it low and slow.
Second, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can swap out ingredients, play with toppings or double the batch. It’s hard to mess it up.
Third-and maybe most important-this cake disappears fast. Like, shockingly fast. If you’re planning to serve guests, you might want to make two trays. Just trust me on that.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake
Jamie’s version of the Mars Bar Cake is already a sugary dream. Melted Mars Bars, butter and puffed rice, chilled into a no-bake slab of joy. But hey-there’s always room for upgrades.
1. Boost The Texture
Want more crunch? Toss in some crushed digestive biscuits or cornflakes with the puffed rice. A handful will do the trick. They break up the uniform chewiness and give the cake a bit more character.
2. Add A Salted Edge
Sweet on sweet can get… a bit much. Stir in a pinch of sea salt with the melted mixture or better yet, sprinkle flaky salt over the top once it’s set. That salty hit? Game-changer.
3. Go Nutty
Chopped hazelnuts or almonds bring bite and richness. Toast them first for extra depth. Add about ½ cup mixed into the base or sprinkle on top before the chocolate layer sets.
4. Play With The Chocolate Topping
Instead of just milk chocolate, swirl in some dark chocolate. Or white. Or all three. Pour the different melted chocolates on top, then drag a skewer through for a marbled look. Fancy without the effort.
5. Spice It Up
Craving something a little grown-up? A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder in the base adds warmth. Even a splash of espresso or a few drops of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor.
6. Booze It Up (If You’re Into That)
A tablespoon of Baileys, Kahlua or dark rum folded into the melted Mars Bars takes things to dessert-party status. Not for the kids, obviously.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Now, if you somehow don’t finish the entire tray in one go (hard to imagine but hey), here’s how to keep your Mars Bar Cake at its best.
Fridge Is Your Friend
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just know it’ll firm up quite a bit, so take it out 10 minutes before serving if you want that perfect soft-chewy texture.
Freezer Friendly? Yes!
Wrap slices individually in parchment paper, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll last up to a month. Great for last-minute cravings. Just thaw for 15-20 minutes at room temp.
Avoid Moisture
Don’t leave it out uncovered-condensation or humidity will mess with the texture. Always seal it tight. That’s your golden rule.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
Sure, it’s amazing on its own. But let’s be honest-we can always level up.
A Scoop Of Ice Cream
Vanilla is classic but salted caramel or chocolate-hazelnut takes it over the top. Warm up your Mars Bar Cake slightly so it goes gooey under the ice cream. Trust me on this.
Fresh Berries
Strawberries, raspberries or a mix of both cut through the richness. Their natural tartness balances out the sweetness like a dream.
Espresso Or Strong Coffee
Sweet cake, bold coffee. It’s like pairing a fine wine with cheese but with way more sugar and joy. Even better if you’re serving it as a dinner party dessert.
Whipped Cream With A Twist
Regular whipped cream? Nice. Whipped cream with a splash of orange zest or Irish cream liqueur? Even better.
A Little Crème Fraîche
It’s tangy, creamy and slices right through the sweetness. Dollop it on top or serve on the side. Unexpected but it works.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
You’ll need Mars Bars, butter, rice krispies, and a bit of chocolate for the topping.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus some time to set in the fridge.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Chocolate For The Topping?
Yep, feel free to swap in milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your taste.
