Decadent Mars Bar Puff Rice Cake

Mars Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10

A Mars cake is a decadent, no-bake treat that combines the rich, gooey flavors of Mars bars with a crisp, crunchy base of puffed rice. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Its indulgent blend of milk chocolate, caramel, and puffed rice creates a texture and taste that is irresistibly comforting.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   Begin by lining a 24 cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper. This will help ensure the cake comes out easily once it’s set. Be sure the edges are covered, as this will also prevent the mixture from sticking.

2. Melt the Mars Bars
   Cut the Mars bars into small pieces. In a large saucepan or deep frying pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped Mars bars to the pan. Turn up the heat slightly, but keep the flame low to ensure the bars melt evenly. Stir continuously with a spatula to break down the caramel and chocolate components. After about 5 minutes, the Mars bars should melt completely into a smooth, glossy mixture.

3. Combine with Puff Rice
   Once the Mars bars have completely melted and combined with the butter, quickly remove the pan from the heat. Immediately pour the puffed rice into the pan with the melted mixture. Stir it together gently but thoroughly using a spatula. Ensure the puffed rice is evenly coated with the caramel-chocolate mixture. The mixture will thicken as it cools, so it’s important to do this step swiftly.

4. Press into the pan
   Transfer the rice and chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan. Press it down evenly with the back of a spoon or a flat tool to compact the base, ensuring it covers the entire bottom of the pan. This will form the crisp, chewy base for the cake. After spreading it evenly, set the pan aside.

5. Melt the Chocolate for Topping
   In a separate bowl, break the milk chocolate into pieces. Place it over a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water to melt it gently. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the heat.

6. Heat the Cream
   While the chocolate is melting, place the fresh cream into a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm it up until it begins to steam, but don’t let it boil.

7. Combine Chocolate and Cream
   Pour the hot cream into the melted milk chocolate. Stir gently to combine until you have a smooth and glossy ganache. Allow it to cool for just a few minutes until it reaches a slightly thicker consistency but remains pourable.

8. Top the Base with Ganache
   Pour the ganache over the puffed rice base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the ganache to settle and coat the base with a beautiful, smooth layer of chocolate.

9. Set the Cake
   Let the cake set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it has completely hardened and solidified.

10. Serve
    To serve, carefully open the springform pan and remove the parchment paper. Cut the cake into small, bite-sized cubes or slices, depending on your preference. The result is a delicious, indulgent treat that’s easy to share and even easier to devour.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Variations:

• Substitutions: If you can’t find Mars bars, you can substitute with other caramel and chocolate bars like Snickers or Milky Way for a similar texture and flavor.
• Add-ins: For added texture, you can stir in chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, along with the puffed rice.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

This Mars cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.