Do you remember the first time you bit into a warm, gooey cookie that was still soft in the middle, with slightly crisp edges? Imagine turning that same delight into a bar form that’s even easier to make. If you’re looking for a treat that is quick to whip up and perfect for any gathering or afternoon indulgence, then cake mix cookie bars are exactly what you need. This recipe takes the simplicity of a cake mix and turns it into rich, chewy cookie bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and discover why it’s a go-to favorite for so many!
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Need a dessert in a pinch? This recipe has got you covered! By starting with a boxed cake mix, you shave off a significant chunk of prep time, making it possible to have delicious cookie bars ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you need a quick dessert fix without the fuss.
- Versatile: The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavors! Whether you’re in the mood for classic chocolate, funfetti, or something seasonal like spice or pumpkin, a simple swap of the cake mix flavor transforms the entire dessert. Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or candy pieces, and create a brand-new version every time. It’s a recipe that never gets boring!
- Minimal Cleanup: Who doesn’t love a dessert with minimal mess? With this recipe, all you need is a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, and, best of all, no pile of dishes to wash afterward. A quick cleanup means more time to enjoy your treat!
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for little helpers in the kitchen. With its simple steps and no need for sharp tools or advanced techniques, kids can join in the fun. Let them choose the mix-ins or help press the dough into the pan—great for building memories and confidence in the kitchen.
- Great for Parties: Cake mix cookie bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Their portability makes them easy to take to potlucks, school events, family gatherings, or office parties. Cut them into squares or rectangles for perfect portion sizes, and watch them disappear from the dessert table in no time.
- Rich and Moist Texture: Thanks to melted butter, these cookie bars have a decadent richness that’s perfectly balanced by their soft, moist texture. Each bite is a heavenly combination of buttery goodness and the delightful chewiness of a cookie in bar form. It’s a dessert that offers indulgence without unnecessary complexity.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Yellow Cake Mix is the recipe’s star, providing a sweet and tender base. For a different taste, feel free to swap it for other flavors, like chocolate or red velvet.
- Melted butter provides richness and keeps the bars moist. For a lighter option, you can substitute with 1/2 cup of coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce.
- Chocolate chips are a classic choice for these bars. You can replace them with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped candy bars.
- Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and giving the bars their structure. To make it vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
How to Make Cake Mix Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Making these delicious cookie bars couldn’t be easier! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, chewy bars ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. Next, prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.Using parchment is especially helpful for lifting the bars out later without sticking or crumbling. If you’re going the parchment route, leave some overhang on the sides to act as “handles” for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully combined and form a thick, sticky batter. This step should only take a few minutes, but the rich aroma of the buttery batter will already have your taste buds anticipating what’s to come! Pro tip: Avoid overmixing; stir just until the batter comes together for the best texture.
Step 3: Add Your Mix-Ins
It’s time to customize your bars with your favorite mix-ins! Stir in a generous handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even chunks of your favorite candy bars. Make sure to mix them evenly throughout the batter so every square has those delightful bites of flavor. For a more festive touch, sprinkle in colorful candies or themed sprinkles.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it out evenly, ensuring it reaches all the corners. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, so take your time to smooth it out. This ensures the bars bake evenly and have a consistent texture throughout.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Monitor them closely, as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep your bars soft and chewy.
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This short cooling period allows them to set slightly, making them easier to cut without crumbling. Use a sharp knife to slice them into squares, rectangles, or even triangles for a fun presentation. Serve them warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
And there you have it! In just five simple steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible cake mix cookie bars perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family snack, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Timing is everything when baking cookie bars. Begin checking for doneness at around 18 minutes. You’re looking for edges that turn golden brown and a center that still looks slightly soft. The bars will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a chewy texture. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on them and err on the side of slightly underdone for the perfect result.
- Use Parchment Paper: Save yourself the trouble of struggling to remove bars from the pan by lining it with parchment paper. This handy trick not only makes cleanup a breeze but also allows you to lift the bars out effortlessly for cutting. For the best results, leave a little overhang on the sides of the pan to use as “handles” when removing the bars.
- Customize the Sweetness: If your mix-ins are on the sweeter side—think caramel bits, white chocolate chips, or toffee chunks—balance the flavor by choosing a cake mix with moderate sugar content. Vanilla or yellow cake mixes are great options, but you could also opt for a less sweet option like spice cake or even a sugar-free mix for a more balanced bite.
- Chill the Dough if Sticky: If you’re finding the dough too sticky to press evenly into the pan, a quick chill in the fridge for 15 minutes can help firm it up. This step makes spreading and shaping much easier.
Variations and Customizations
- Make it Vegan: Adapting this recipe for a vegan lifestyle is surprisingly simple. Use a dairy-free cake mix (many store-bought options qualify) and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Swap melted butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and you’ve got a delicious plant-based treat everyone can enjoy.
- Add Fruit: Give your bars a fruity upgrade by mixing in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or dried apricots. These additions not only add bursts of flavor but also create a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the bars.
- Switch the Flavor: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Switch things up by using different cake mix flavors. Lemon cake mix delivers a zesty, refreshing treat, while strawberry or chocolate cake mix creates a rich and decadent dessert. Each variation feels like a brand-new recipe.
- Holiday Twist: Match your cookie bars to the season by incorporating festive mix-ins. For Christmas, crushed peppermint candies or red and green sprinkles add a cheerful touch. During Easter, pastel M&Ms or mini candy eggs bring a playful, springtime vibe. This easy customization ensures your dessert always feels on theme.
- Nutty Delight: Add a satisfying crunch by folding in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. They not only enhance the texture but also complement the buttery richness of the bars beautifully.
- Layered Bars: For a more indulgent twist, layer the dough with a spread of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese before adding the top layer of dough. This creates a gooey, flavorful center that’s bound to impress.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store the cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To keep the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate and gives them a freshly-baked feel.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to make cookie bars from cake mix?
Is it possible to use any cake mix flavor for cake mix cookie bars?
To make cookie bars from cake mix, combine 1 box of cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix until a thick batter forms, then stir in chocolate chips or other mix-ins. Spread the batter in a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix, like chocolate, red velvet, or lemon, to create different variations of cookie bars.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, there’s no need to chill the dough. Simply mix, spread, and bake for quick and easy cookie bars.
Can I freeze the Cake Mix Cookie Bars?
Yes, these cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What can I add to cake mix cookie bars for extra flavor?
You can add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, toffee bits, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor.
Related Recipes
- Red Velvet Cake Cookies Recipe: Soft and chewy red velvet cookies made with cocoa and topped with a cream frosting.
- Peach Cobbler Recipe with Cake Mix: A fruity, comforting dessert that’s perfect for summer.
- Lemon Bars with Cake Mix: zesty lemon bars with a sweet-tart filling and buttery crust.
- Brownie Mix Cookies: A chewy twist on traditional brownies that’s quick to prepare.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookie bars are the perfect solution for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you can create a batch of delicious bars that will impress family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chip version or get creative with your own mix-ins, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Course: Uncategorized12
servings10
minutes20
minutes220
kcalThese delicious cake mix cookie bars are made using cake mix, making them an easy yet irresistible treat for any occasion
Ingredients
1 box of yellow cake mix (or your preferred flavor)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
1 cup chocolate chips (or mix-ins like white chocolate or peanut butter chips)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter together in a large bowl. Stir until fully combined; the batter will be thick.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Notes
- Adjust the baking time for a chewier or crispier texture.
- Swap chocolate chips for M&Ms, toffee bits, or dried fruits for a personalized twist.