Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—these cake mix cookie bars! Seriously, they’re so simple and delicious, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip them up. Just grab a box of your favorite cake mix, and you’re halfway there! I love that I can customize these bars with whatever add-ins I have on hand, like chocolate chips or nuts. The best part? They bake up perfectly soft and chewy every single time. Trust me, whether you’re in a rush to satisfy a sweet tooth or need a quick dessert for a gathering, this cake mix cookie bars recipe is your golden ticket. The smell wafting through your kitchen is just the icing on the cake—literally! Get ready to impress everyone with minimal effort!
Ingredients List
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup nuts (optional, chopped)
How to Prepare Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious cake mix cookie bars! You’re going to love how straightforward it is. First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cake mix, melted butter, and those two large eggs. I like to use a spatula or a wooden spoon for this—mix until everything is well blended and you don’t see any dry cake mix peeking through. It should be a nice, thick batter!
Next, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in the chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. Fold them gently into the batter—this is where the magic happens! Now, spread that delicious mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but whatever you have works just fine. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before cutting them into bars. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly, and you’ll have a hard time waiting to dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Add the chocolate chips and optional nuts, folding gently to incorporate.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile with endless flavor options—use any cake mix you like!
- Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- Great for families, kids, and gatherings—everyone will love them!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cake mix cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overmix the batter once you add the eggs. Just mix until everything is combined—this keeps the bars nice and tender. If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter; it really elevates the taste!
When it comes to baking time, keep an eye on them towards the end. Every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 20-minute mark. You want those edges to be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chocolate chips for caramel bits or dried fruit for a delicious twist! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
The beauty of this cake mix cookie bars recipe is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For starters, try using different flavors of cake mix—chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon! Each one brings a unique twist to the bars.
Feeling adventurous? Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture or throw in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair. You can also experiment with spices—just a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor. And don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can really enhance the sweetness. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
These cake mix cookie bars are not only delicious but also fairly easy to keep track of when it comes to nutrition! Each bar is approximately 200 calories, with 9g of fat, 2g of protein, and 29g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific cake mix and add-ins you choose.
FAQ Section
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for these bars?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this cake mix cookie bars recipe—you can use any flavor you like! Chocolate, vanilla, funfetti—you name it! Each one will bring its own unique taste to the bars.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
Great question! Keep an eye on them as they bake. You’ll want the edges to be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s too wet, give them a few more minutes in the oven!
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Yes, you can! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
Store your cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they start to get a bit dry, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that gooeyness.
Can I add more mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Besides chocolate chips and nuts, you can add things like toffee bits, peanut butter chips, or even crushed candy bars for an extra treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cake mix cookie bars is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
If you find they’ve lost a bit of their gooeyness, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that delightful, warm texture. Yum!
Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cake mix cookie bars recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs.
- Mix until well blended.
- Add chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Try different flavors of cake mix for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cake mix cookie bars recipe
