Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake Recipe

Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake is a rich, no-bake treat made with melted Mars bars, butter, and crispy cereal, topped with smooth chocolate. It’s sweet, chewy, and slightly crunchy at the same time. If you want a quick dessert that doesn’t require an oven, this one is perfect.

This recipe serves 12 squares and takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step so you can get the right texture and clean slices every time.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• No Baking Required – Simple stovetop method.
• Quick to Prepare – Ready to chill in under 20 minutes.
• Great for Parties – Easy to slice and serve.
• Kid-Friendly Favourite – Sweet and familiar flavours.
• Minimal Ingredients – Straightforward shopping list.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Sets beautifully in the fridge.

What Is Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake?

Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake is a no-bake chocolate slice made by melting Mars bars with butter, mixing them with crispy rice cereal, pressing the mixture into a tin, and topping it with melted chocolate. Once chilled, it sets into chewy, chocolatey squares.

Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake Ingredients List

• 4 Mars bars (approx. 180g total), chopped
• 100g unsalted butter
• 150g crispy rice cereal
• 200g milk chocolate (for topping)
• Optional: 50g dark chocolate (for richer topping)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Tin

Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper. This helps lift the cake out easily later.

Step 2: Melt Mars Bars and Butter

Place chopped Mars bars and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the Cereal

Remove from heat and immediately stir in crispy rice cereal. Mix until fully coated with the melted chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Press into the tin

Transfer the mixture into the lined tin. Press down firmly using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

Step 5: Melt the Topping Chocolate

Melt milk chocolate (and dark chocolate if using) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave bursts.

Step 6: Spread the Chocolate

Pour melted chocolate over the cereal layer and spread evenly.

Step 7: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove from the tin and cut into squares using a sharp knife.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake

• Overheating the Chocolate – Can cause it to seize or burn.
• Not pressing firmly enough leads to crumbly slices.
• Skipping lining the Tin – Makes removal difficult.
• Cutting Before Fully Set – Results in messy edges.

Delicious Pairings to Serve With Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Balances sweetness.
• Fresh Berries – Adds freshness and contrast.
• Hot Coffee – Cuts through richness.
• Cold Milk – Classic and comforting pairing.

Expert Tips to Get This Cake Just Right

• Use Low Heat When Melting – Keeps texture smooth.
• Mix Quickly After Adding Cereal – Prevents the mixture from setting too fast.
• Score Before Fully Set – Helps create cleaner cuts.
• Store in the Fridge – Maintains firmness.
• Allow Slight Softening Before Serving – Improves chewiness.

How to Add More Flavour to Mars Bar Cake

• Add a Pinch of Sea Salt – Enhances chocolate flavour.
• Include Chopped Nuts – Adds crunch and contrast.
• Drizzle White Chocolate on Top – Decorative and sweet.
• Add a Spoon of Peanut Butter – Creates deeper richness.

How to Adjust Mars Bar Cake for Kids

This dessert is already child-friendly, but you can cut it into smaller squares for easier portions. Avoid dark chocolate if they prefer a sweeter topping. Keep it chilled so it holds its shape better for little hands.

Best Way to Store Mars Bar Cake Leftovers

• Refrigeration Method – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer with Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking.
• Keep Chilled – Maintains structure.

Best Ways to Re-Serve Mars Bar Cake

• Serve Slightly Softened – Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
• Warm slightly in the microwave – 5–7 seconds for a softer bite.
• Pair with Ice Cream – Creates a simple plated dessert.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~18g
• Sugar: ~28g

FAQs

Why is my Mars Bar cake too hard after chilling?

Mars Bar cake can become too hard if chilled for too long or stored in a very cold fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Using low heat when melting the chocolate mixture also helps maintain a softer texture.

Can I make Mars Bar cake without golden syrup?

Yes, this version does not require golden syrup because the melted Mars bars provide enough sweetness and binding. If you prefer extra chewiness, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of golden syrup while melting the bars and butter.

How long does Mars Bar cake need to set?

Mars Bar cake typically needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to fully set. For cleaner slices, chilling for 3 hours is ideal. Make sure the chocolate topping is completely firm before cutting.

Can I freeze Mars Bar cake?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap slices individually and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake is simple, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. With no oven required and minimal ingredients, it’s a reliable dessert for gatherings or quick treats.

Once chilled and sliced, it delivers that perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey in every bite.

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Banana Muffins
• Jamie Oliver Salmon Filo Pie
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Madras

Print