Name: Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (Used for the base of the bars); 1 box white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix (Adds moisture); ¼ cup water (To mix the batter); ¾ cup vegetable oil (Keeps the bars moist); 2 large eggs (Binds the ingredients); 1 cup mini M&Ms (Add fun and color); ½ cup chocolate chips (For added chocolate flavor)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Nothing brings back the sweet memories of childhood like a batch of fresh-baked cookies. When I stumbled upon the idea of Cake Mix Cookie Bars, I was immediately intrigued. This recipe combines the simplicity of a cake mix with the delightful chewiness of cookie bars, creating the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a sunny picnic, these cookie bars are sure to please. I remember the first time I baked them; the aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm hug of nostalgia. The vibrant colors of mini M&Ms peeking through the golden edges made it hard to resist diving right in!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
29 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
24 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
10g g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl, Oven

What You’ll Enjoy About This Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best things about Cake Mix Cookie Bars is how quick and easy they are to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. The fuss-free method means even novice bakers can shine in the kitchen, making this recipe a go-to for impromptu cravings.

Versatile and Customizable

These cookie bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily swap in different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits, or adjust the flavor with different cake mixes. Have fun with it! You can even change the topping with various types of chocolate chips or sprinkles. The possibilities are endless, making every batch uniquely yours.

Perfect for Sharing

If you’re looking for a treat to share with friends or family, Cake Mix Cookie Bars are an excellent choice. They cut beautifully into squares, making them easy to pack for picnics, school lunches, or birthday parties. Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars will definitely be a hit!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Baking these cookie bars can be a fun activity for kids too! They’ll love mixing the ingredients and pouring them into the pan. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy sprinkling mini M&Ms over the top? It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and encourage their creativity.

Minimal Cleanup

With fewer dishes to wash, Cake Mix Cookie Bars offer a stress-free baking experience. You can mix everything in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. This means more time to enjoy your delicious treats and less time scrubbing pots and pans!

Recipe Ingredients for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

When it comes to making Cake Mix Cookie Bars, the ingredients are not only simple but also work harmoniously together to create a delightful dessert. The star of the show is, of course, the cake mix, which provides a rich base. Complementing it are the pudding mix for added moisture, eggs for binding, and a splash of oil to keep things tender. The addition of mini M&Ms and chocolate chips makes each bite a sweet surprise!

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix: This is the foundation of your cookie bars, creating a soft and chewy texture that’s irresistible.
1 (3.4-ounce) small box instant white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix: Adding this mixture enhances the moisture, making your cookie bars extra delicious.
¼ cup water: This simple ingredient helps to bring everything together.
¾ cup vegetable oil: This ensures your bars remain tender and moist, preventing them from being too dry.
2 eggs: These bind the ingredients perfectly, contributing to the wonderful texture.
1 cup mini M&Ms, divided: These colorful candies add a fun and crunchy element to the bars.
½ cup chocolate chips: Melted into the batter, they create gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.

Recipe Directions for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Making Cake Mix Cookie Bars is a joyful experience, and I’m excited to walk you through it! Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a tray of delicious bars cooling on your counter. Trust me; the smell alone is worth it!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookie bars bake evenly. A properly preheated oven helps achieve a perfect golden brown color.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs using a mixer. Mix until well combined. You want a smooth batter without any lumps, so don’t rush this step!
Once the mixture is smooth, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and half of the mini M&Ms. Gently incorporate them into the batter, being careful not to overmix. This ensures the candies remain intact.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the corners are filled. This helps ensure every bite has the same delicious flavor.
Sprinkle the remaining mini M&Ms over the top of the batter. This adds a lovely pop of color to your bars, and they’ll look so inviting when baked!
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake for 24 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to cut them without falling apart.
After cooling slightly, transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set perfectly and enhance the texture.
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade Cake Mix Cookie Bars with family and friends!

Things Worth Knowing

Ensure Even Baking: Always preheat your oven. This is key to achieving a consistent texture and color for your cookie bars.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready!
Storage Tips: Store your cooled bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars! Wrap each one individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many fun ways to adapt Cake Mix Cookie Bars. Here are some of my favorite ideas that you can try to customize your bars:

Storage: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap each cookie bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them later!
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cake mixes, like chocolate or red velvet, for unique flavors.
Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Serving Suggestions: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving Cake Mix Cookie Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

Milk: A classic pairing, there’s nothing quite like enjoying your cookie bars with a glass of cold milk. It complements the sweetness perfectly.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Fresh Fruit: Pair these bars with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Occasions: Great for birthday parties, family gatherings, or even casual movie nights. They’re sure to be a hit!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can substitute a gluten-free cake mix for the regular one. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free mix package, as some might require additional wet ingredients.

To keep your Cake Mix Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically last for about five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider wrapping each bar individually and freezing them.

Certainly! If you enjoy a bit of crunch, feel free to add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter. Just remember to adjust the quantity of chocolate chips or mini M&Ms accordingly.

If you find yourself without pudding mix, don’t worry! You can simply omit it, but the bars may be slightly less moist. Alternatively, you could add an extra egg or a bit more oil to compensate.

Conclusion

In summary, Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines convenience with irresistible flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy sharing these bars with your loved ones, and watch them disappear in no time!