Name: No Bake Mars Bar Snack Balls - Quick, Chewy, and Chocolaty Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 regular Mars Bars (about 200 g), chopped; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon honey or golden syrup; 2 cups puffed rice cereal or crushed plain biscuits (like digestives or graham crackers); 1/3 cup desiccated coconut (optional, plus extra for rolling); 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional, for a richer finish)

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If you love a sweet treat that’s fast, fun, and easy, these No Bake Mars Bar Snack Balls hit the spot. They’re chewy, chocolaty, and just salty enough to keep you reaching for another. No oven, no fancy tools—just a bowl, a saucepan, and 20 minutes.

Great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a last-minute dessert. Make a batch, stash them in the fridge, and you’re set for the week.

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What Makes This Special

Close-up detail/process shot: A glossy, melted Mars Bar mixture being folded into puffed rice cereal

Zero baking required: Melt, mix, roll—done.
Perfect texture: Soft, fudgy centers with a light crunch from crispy cereal or crushed biscuits.
Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients and leftover candy bars work great.
Customizable: Add nuts, coconut, or a drizzle of chocolate to make them your own.
Kid-approved: Sweet, bite-sized, and easy to help make.

Ingredients

4 regular Mars Bars (about 200 g), chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon honey or golden syrup
2 cups puffed rice cereal or crushed plain biscuits (like digestives or graham crackers)
1/3 cup desiccated coconut (optional, plus extra for rolling)
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional, for a richer finish)

Instructions

Final dish/top-down presentation: Overhead shot of finished No Bake Mars Bar Snack Balls, some rolle

Prep a tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. If rolling in coconut, place some in a shallow bowl.
Melt the base: In a small saucepan over low heat, add chopped Mars Bars, butter, and honey.
Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Keep the heat gentle so the caramel doesn’t scorch.
Add flavor: Stir in vanilla and salt. If using chocolate chips for extra richness, add now and mix until melted.
Mix in the crunch: In a large bowl, add puffed rice or crushed biscuits and coconut (if using).
Pour the warm Mars mixture over the top.
Combine: Use a spatula to fold everything together until evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and hold when pressed.
Chill briefly: Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up slightly. This makes rolling easier.
Shape: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls with clean hands.
If sticky, lightly oil your palms.
Finish: Roll balls in coconut (optional) and place on the lined tray.
Set: Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm. Enjoy straight from the fridge or let soften for a few minutes at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Layer smart: Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Health Benefits

Portion control: Bite-size shapes make it easier to enjoy a treat without overdoing it.
Customizable add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or seeds for healthy fats and a bit of protein.
Energy boost: Carbs and sugars provide a quick pick-me-up for busy days or post-activity snacks.
Make it lighter: Swap part of the cereal for finely chopped nuts, or use high-fiber biscuits to add a little more substance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the mixture: High heat can split the caramel and burn the chocolate.
Keep it low and slow.
Too much dry mix: Adding extra cereal or biscuits makes the balls crumbly. Stick to the measurements.
Rolling while too warm: Warm mixture sticks like glue. Chill briefly before shaping.
Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.

Alternatives

Candy bar swaps: Try Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, or Caramello for a similar effect.
Crunch base: Use cornflakes, Rice Krispies, or crushed graham crackers/digestives.
Flavor twists: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella to the melted mixture.
Coatings: Roll in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or dip halfway in melted chocolate.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate bars and plant-based butter.

FAQ

Can I make these without coconut?

Yes.

Simply skip the coconut in the mix and for rolling. They’ll still set well and taste great.

Why are my snack balls falling apart?

The ratio might be off or the mixture wasn’t warm enough to bind. Add a little more melted chocolate or a spoon of honey, then re-roll.

How big should I make them?

Tablespoon-sized balls are ideal for snacking.

For party platters, go slightly smaller. For meal prep treats, go a bit larger.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Yes. Chilling helps them firm up and hold their shape.

Store in the fridge and take out a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer bite.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely. Adults should handle the melting step, but kids can stir the dry ingredients and roll the balls.

In Conclusion

No Bake Mars Bar Snack Balls are quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. With a chewy center and a satisfying crunch, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a cozy night in.

Keep a batch in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-made treat whenever the craving hits. Simple ingredients, no oven, all joy.