A Little Slice of Heaven: My Nana's Chocolate Caramel Crispy Squares

There are some recipes that feel less like a list of ingredients and more like a warm hug. This is one of them. It’s not a fancy, complicated dessert, but it’s one that always brings a smile. I have such fond memories of standing on a chair in my Nana’s kitchen, "helping" her stir the bubbling pot, the air sweet with the scent of melting chocolate and caramel.

This recipe for Chocolate Caramel Crispy Squares is the definition of simple, no-bake joy. It requires no special skills, just a little patience while it sets. It’s the perfect thing to whip up with little helpers, for a last-minute treat to bring to a friend, or just to satisfy that specific craving for something sweet, crunchy, and wonderfully nostalgic.

What You'll Need

This is the beautiful part – you only need a handful of simple ingredients. I bet you have most of them already.

• 4 regular-sized Mars® bars (or any similar chocolate caramel bar)
• 100g (3.5oz) of unsalted butter
• 100g (3 cups) of Rice Krispies® cereal (or any crisp rice cereal)
• 200g (7oz) of milk chocolate for the topping

Making the Magic Happen

Don't be tempted to rush the melting process; a gentle heat is the secret to a smooth, glossy mixture.

• First, grease a 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") baking tin and line it with parchment paper. This little step makes getting the squares out later so much easier!
• Chop the Mars bars and butter into small chunks and place them in a heatproof bowl. Sit the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir gently with a whisk until everything melts into a smooth, gorgeous caramel sauce.
• Pour your crisp rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the warm caramel mixture over the cereal, folding it in gently until every last piece is evenly coated.
• Tip the mixture into your prepared tin and press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon. Pop it aside for a moment while you melt the milk chocolate, either in the microwave in short bursts or using the same bowl-over-the-pan method.
• Pour the melted chocolate over the crispy base and spread it out to the edges. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. Let it set completely in a cool place until the chocolate has hardened.

The Best Part

Once it's fully set, lift the whole block out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it into squares—big or small, I won't judge!

And there you have it. A humble, utterly delicious treat that’s stood the test of time in my family. I hope it finds a place in your kitchen and creates happy memories