Really Easy and Good Cornflake Mars Bars Squares (No Bake)

There’s a unique magic in childhood treats, isn’t there? For me, it often conjures images of a bustling kitchen, the sweet aroma of melting chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of cereal. These Cornflake Mars Bar Squares hold a special place in that memory bank. I remember a particularly rainy afternoon, stuck indoors, when my mum decided we needed an emergency pick-me-up. With just a few pantry staples and a packet of Mars bars, we whipped up these no-bake wonders. The sheer speed and simplicity, coupled with the incredible taste, made it an instant hit, a culinary shortcut that delivered maximum joy with minimal fuss.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: Approximately 16 squares
• Yield: 1 (13×9-in) pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup margarine
• 4 (2.5 ounce) Mars bars, cut into chunks
• 6 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3-4 tablespoons butter

Equipment Needed

• A 13 x 9-inch baking pan
• A large saucepan or a large microwave-safe bowl
• A spatula or wooden spoon
• A microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
• A measuring cup and spoons

Instructions

Let’s get straight to the heart of this delightful confection. These bars are designed for speed and ease, making them a fantastic option for last-minute treats, after-school snacks, or even as a fun activity to do with children.

1. Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preparing a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. You can lightly grease it with a bit of extra margarine or butter, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the finished bars out of the pan once they’ve set.

2. Melt the Base: In a large saucepan, or alternatively, in a large microwave-safe bowl, partially melt the margarine. If you’re using the stovetop, do this over low heat, stirring gently. If you’re opting for the microwave, heat it in short intervals, checking and stirring frequently, until it’s just softened and beginning to melt, but not fully liquid. The goal here is to have a starting point for melting the Mars bars.

3. Incorporate the Mars Bars: Once the margarine is softened, add in the Mars bar pieces. Continue to melt these over low heat, stirring constantly. The caramel and nougat in the Mars bars will begin to soften and liquefy, blending with the margarine. Keep stirring until the entire mixture is smooth. Be patient with this step; if the heat is too high, you risk scorching the chocolate and caramel.

4. Add the Crunch: Now, it’s time to introduce the star cereal. Add in the crushed corn flakes to the warm Mars bar mixture. Use your spatula or wooden spoon to mix until well blended. You want every single corn flake to be coated in that sticky, chocolatey-caramel goodness. Ensure there are no dry pockets of cereal.

5. Press into the Pan: Spoon the cornflake mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of your spoon or a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. You want a solid, compact base for your bars, so don’t be shy with the pressure. This ensures they’ll hold their shape when cut.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the butter. Microwave these in short intervals, stirring once or twice between each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy.

7. Spread the Topping: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the cornflake mixture in the pan. Use your spatula to create a smooth, even layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

8. Chill to Set: Once assembled, place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill and set completely. This usually takes at least 1-2 hours, though longer is always better for a firm result. This no-bake process relies on chilling to firm up the chocolate and the caramel mixture.

9. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, or carefully cut them directly in the pan. Cut into squares of your desired size.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crushing Corn Flakes: For best results, lightly crush your corn flakes. You don’t want them to be powder, but rather broken into smaller, irregular pieces. A zip-top bag and a rolling pin work wonderfully for this.
• Mars Bar Melting: Patience is key when melting the Mars bars. Low and slow is the mantra here. If you find it’s still not melting smoothly, a tiny splash of milk or cream can sometimes help, but be judicious as too much liquid can alter the texture.
• Chocolate Tempering (Optional but Recommended): While melting the chocolate chips with butter is easy and delicious, for a shinier, snappier finish, you could temper your chocolate. However, for this “really easy” recipe, the direct melt is perfectly acceptable and still incredibly tasty.
• Even Pressing: The more evenly you press the cornflake mixture into the pan, the more uniform your bars will be, making them easier to cut and present.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Cornflake Mars Bar Squares are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. For a beautiful presentation, ensure your cuts are clean. You can even drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top for an added visual flair.

Storage: These bars are wonderfully stable at room temperature for a few days, provided they are kept in an airtight container. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or you prefer them firmer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully; wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	250-300 kcal	–
Total Fat	12-15 g	15-19%
Saturated Fat	6-8 g	30-40%
Cholesterol	15-20 mg	5-7%
Sodium	100-150 mg	4-6%
Total Carbohydrate	30-35 g	11-13%
Dietary Fiber	1-2 g	4-8%
Sugars	20-25 g	22-28%
Protein	2-3 g	4-6%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for a personal touch!

• Cereal Swap: Don’t have corn flakes? Crispy rice cereal or even puffed wheat cereal can be used, though the texture will vary.
• Chocolate Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips for the topping. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips would both work wonderfully, or even a blend!
• Add-ins: For a textural surprise, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds) or mini marshmallows into the cornflake mixture before pressing it into the pan.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these Cornflake Mars Bar Squares without a microwave?
A: Absolutely! You can melt the margarine and Mars bars together in a saucepan over low heat, and then melt the chocolate topping for the glaze in a double boiler (a bowl set over a pot of simmering water).

Q: Why are my Mars bar mixture not melting smoothly?
A: This usually happens if the heat is too high. Ensure you are using very low heat and stirring constantly. If it starts to look oily, it might be separating; try to stir vigorously to bring it back together.

Q: How do I get clean cuts on my bars?
A: Make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled and firm. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest results. Running the knife under hot water briefly can also help, but ensure the bars are firm enough not to stick.

Q: Can I use real butter instead of margarine?
A: Yes, you can definitely use real butter for both the base mixture and the chocolate topping. It will likely add a richer flavor.

Q: How long do the corn flakes need to be crushed?
A: You want to crush them just enough so they aren’t whole flakes, but still retain some of their crunch and shape. Think of them as broken-up pieces rather than dust.

These Cornflake Mars Bar Squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a gateway to happy memories and simple pleasures. Whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and watch the smiles appear. They’re incredibly satisfying with a glass of cold milk, or for a grown-up treat, pair them with a rich coffee or even a stout. Enjoy every easy, delicious bite!