Jamie Oliver Mars Bar Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I tasted a Mars Bar Cake-my friend brought it over on a chilly afternoon, and honestly, it felt like a warm hug in dessert form. It was rich, gooey, and bursting with that unmistakable caramel-chocolate goodness. That moment made me want to dig deeper into the recipe and figure out what makes Jamie Oliver’s version so special.

Jamie’s Mars Bar Cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a nostalgic nod to childhood sweets with a grown-up twist. If you love Mars Bars but want to transform them into something that feels like a celebration, this cake is your go-to. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple, which makes it perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours baking but still wants to impress.

Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Recipe

Picture this: soft chocolate sponge layered with melted Mars Bars, crunchy nuts, and a luscious chocolate glaze. That’s Jamie’s Mars Bar Cake in a nutshell. It’s a decadent dessert that mixes the gooey caramel and nougat of Mars Bars into a moist, chocolaty cake base.

Jamie’s twist is all about balancing rich flavors without going overboard. Unlike some recipes that get too sweet or heavy, his keeps the texture light but indulgent. The cake ends up being more than just a candy bar smashed into cake; it’s a clever fusion of textures and tastes.

Ingredients Needed

When I first gathered ingredients, I was amazed at how simple the list is. You won’t need fancy or hard-to-find items. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mars Bars (the star of the show)
• Self-raising flour (for a light and fluffy cake base)
• Cocoa powder (to boost that chocolate flavor)
• Butter (softened, to give moisture and richness)
• Sugar (to balance the bitterness of cocoa)
• Eggs (to bind and add structure)
• Baking powder (for extra lift)
• Milk (to loosen the batter)
• Walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch and texture)
• Dark chocolate (for the glaze)
• Double cream (to make the glaze smooth and shiny)

Each ingredient plays a unique role, from texture to flavor, making sure every bite is a perfect mix of gooey and cakey.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake

I recall the joy of mixing this cake for the first time-it’s almost therapeutic. The steps are straightforward but incredibly rewarding.

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to about 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your cake tin to avoid sticking.
• Step 2: Melt the Mars Bars gently, either over a bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth and sticky.
• Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth.
• Step 5: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then gently fold into the mixture.
• Step 6: Pour in the milk and melted Mars Bars, folding until everything is combined.
• Step 7: Fold in chopped nuts if you’re using them.
• Step 8: Pour the batter into the tin and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Check with a skewer-it should come out mostly clean but with a little gooeyness.
• Step 9: While the cake cools, melt dark chocolate with double cream to create a silky glaze.
• Step 10: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip enticingly down the sides.

The result? A showstopper of a cake with layers of flavor and texture that feel both comforting and fancy.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wondered why the cake turns out so moist yet firm? Let’s dig into the science behind some key ingredients.

• Mars Bars: The caramel and nougat melt into the batter, adding sugar and moisture. Their fat content helps keep the cake soft.
• Butter: The fat coats the flour particles, preventing too much gluten formation. This keeps the cake tender.
• Self-raising flour: It contains baking powder, which produces carbon dioxide bubbles during baking, helping the cake rise.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure by coagulating as they cook. They also trap air when beaten, which adds lightness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve sugar and cocoa, making the batter smoother.
• Cocoa powder: Besides flavor, it affects acidity and color, influencing the cake’s crumb and taste.

Understanding these elements makes you appreciate how each part works together to create that perfect balance of softness, flavor, and richness.

Expert Tips

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make Jamie’s Mars Bar Cake even better:

• Use room temperature ingredients-they mix more evenly and help trap air.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour; too much mixing develops gluten, making the cake tough.
• Melt Mars Bars slowly to avoid burning or graininess.
• For an extra gooey center, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes.
• Toast nuts before folding in-they release oils that deepen flavor and crunch.
• Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the cake; it reduces crumbling.

These tips ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some ways I’ve played around with it:

• Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a nutty surprise.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate for the glaze.
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter for a subtle warmth.
• Fruit Boost: Toss in dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
• Nut-Free: Simply omit nuts and replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

Experimenting with these variations lets you customize the cake for any occasion or dietary need.

Final Words

This cake has become a beloved classic in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile instantly and sparks conversations about childhood treats and cozy moments. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a friend’s birthday, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake is a winner every time.

FAQs

What Are The Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?

You’ll need Mars Bars, butter, rice krispies, and some golden syrup.

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Take To Make?

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus some time to cool.

Can I Use A Different Chocolate Bar Instead Of Mars Bars?

You can, but Mars Bars give it that perfect caramel and nougat taste.

Do I Need To Bake Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?

No, it’s a no-bake recipe. Just melt and mix.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake In Advance?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?

Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.

What Can I Use Instead Of Rice Krispies?

You can try cornflakes or any other crunchy cereal.

Can I Add Nuts To Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts would add a nice crunch.

Is There A Way To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Vegan?

You can use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a vegan version.

How Do I Cut Jamie Oliver’s Mars Bar Cake Into Neat Pieces?

Let it chill in the fridge, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut clean slices.