Mars Bar Slice

Mars Bar Slice has been around for decades in Aussie home cooking, and was hugely popular in the 80’s and early 90’s.

While padded shoulders, perms and neon are best left as memories, this slice is in an entirely different category. It’s just as good today – and I still find it hard to stop at just one slice.

A time before Mars Bars

Mars Bars were not around when Nana Ling created her recipe books, at least not in Australia. I knew this before I started researching.

How? 

Well if they had been around, Mars Bar Slice would have surely been in her recipe books along with all the other Aussie classics.

The Mars Bar was first made in 1932 in Slough, England, by Forrest Mars Sr, according to Wikipedia.

It hit Australian shores in the late 1940’s, first being manufactured under licence by another company.

In 1979, Mars set up a manufacturing in Australia’s Ballarat, a time when “the Mars Bar was the main product on the Australian confectionery market.”

These days, it’s still popular but has dropped to our third favourite behind Cherry Ripe and Cadbury Milk Chocolate bars.

Making Mars Bar Slice

To make this recipe, you need just five ingredients:

• Mars bars
• rice bubbles (you might call them rice krispies or rice puffs if you’re not from the land down under)
• butter
• golden syrup (you can substitute agave nectar, cane syrup or brown rice syrup)
• milk chocolate.

The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

You’ll also need a slice tin (around 27 x 17cm), greased and lined, a mixing bowl and spoon and saucepan.

You then just measure out the rice bubbles into a mixing bowl and add the mars bars, butter and syrup to a saucepan.

Heat the ingredients in the saucepan gently until they’re melted and keep stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth, runny consistency.

You then pour this mixture into the rice bubbles and stir quickly to combine.

Spread the mixture into the slice tin and use the back of a spoon to smooth out the mixture.

Melt the milk chocolate and pour over the slice to form the top layer.

Then, it’s into the fridge to set.

Tips for perfect Mars Bar Slice

There are many slight variations of this recipe.

I’ve adapted this one from the the recipe my mum used when we were kids and others I’ve tried since then. I think I’ve created the ULTIMATE Mars Bar Slice recipe.

While it’s a fairly straightforward process, keep these three tips in mind when preparing this no-bake slice.

1. Use good quality ingredients

There are only a few ingredients, so use the best. I use Cadbury chocolate, real Mars Bars, Kellogs rice bubbles, and brand name butter.

2. Use a whisk to get a super smooth melted mixture

When melting the butter, golden syrup and Mars Bars together over heat, the mixture can tend to be clumpy. I use a whisk to stir the mixture towards the end of the melting process and get a super smooth result every time.

3. Use a spoon for an even finish

After pressing the mixture into the tray, use the back of a metal spoon to flatten the slice evenly on top.

Mars Bar Slice FAQs

1. Why does it taste so damn good?

It’s that simple but unbeatable combo of rice bubbles, melted Mars Bars and butter… all topped with a layer of chocolate.  

2. How many Mars Bars do you need for the slice?

If you’re a Mars Bar lover like me, make sure you buy your four Mars Bars just before you make the slice. Otherwise, consider buying five!

3. Can you freeze Mars Bar slice?

You could, and I imagine it would be okay for a month or two. I’ve never tested this though because this slice gets gobbled up too quickly in our house.

4. Where do you store it?

It’s best stored in the fridge, especially during the summer months.

However it is okay out of the fridge for a while if you’re planning to take it to a party to share, for example. 

5. How long does this slice last in the fridge?

It will last at least a week stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

6. How long does Mars Bar Slice last in your house?

If it lasts more than a few days, you’re doing well!

7. Are there any other slices as good as this?

This is surely a winner, but you can check out our amazing Cherry Ripe Slice, Caramel Slice and other wonderful slices here.