Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe: Sweet Treat Success

Sweet memories flood back with these irresistible cake mix cookie bars that combine the best of both worlds.

Soft, chewy, and incredibly simple, this cake mix cookie bars recipe delivers pure dessert magic in every bite.

You can whip up these delectable treats with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The secret weapon?

A standard cake mix that becomes the perfect base for a quick and delightful dessert.

Pantry staples and a few extra ingredients are all you need to create these mouthwatering bars.

Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts can easily customize this foolproof recipe to match your mood or craving.

Let these cookie bars become your new go-to dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cookie Bar Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free butter substitute. Choose vegan-friendly chocolate candies instead of M&Ms.
• Healthy Spin: Use whole wheat cake mix, swap some butter with unsweetened applesauce, and mix in dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts for added nutrition. Reduce sugar content by selecting a lower-sugar cake mix.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Select a sugar-free cake mix, use sugar-free chocolate candies, and replace part of the butter with Greek yogurt to maintain moisture while cutting calories.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can swap the yellow cake mix for other flavors like white, chocolate, or funfetti. Each flavor will give a unique twist to the cookie bars.

• What if I don't have M&Ms?

No problem! You can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or any other mix-in you prefer. Just use about 1 cup of your chosen add-in.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be soft but not wet. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not mandatory, parchment paper makes removing the bars easier and prevents sticking. If you don’t have it, generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

Why Cookie Bars Are So Easy

• Simple Ingredients Create Magic
• Perfect for novice bakers with minimal cooking skills, this recipe requires just mixing and spreading without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable dessert that works wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, school events, or casual weekend treats with minimal preparation effort.
• Easily swap M&Ms with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to match personal preferences and create unique flavor combinations that excite taste buds.
• Delivers homemade goodness in under an hour, satisfying sweet cravings with minimal dishes and maximum deliciousness, making baking feel like a breeze.

Cake Mix Cookie Bar Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient baking ingredient that provides the foundational flavor and texture for the cookie bars.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, soft texture of the bars.
• Butter (Melted): Adds moisture and richness to the cookie bars, creating a smooth and tender base.

• M&Ms, Chocolate Candies: Bring vibrant color and sweet chocolate bursts throughout the cookie bars, making them visually appealing and deliciously fun.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the pan and prevents sticking during baking.

Bake Cake Mix Cookie Bars Like a Pro

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9 baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Base Mixture

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Eggs

Stir everything together until you’ve got a smooth, thick batter that looks super inviting and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Add Bursts of Color

Gently fold in most of the M&Ms into the batter.

Save a few candies to sprinkle on top for an extra pop of color and fun.

Step 4: Spread the Love

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure to press into the corners.

Don’t stress about perfect smoothness – it’ll work itself out during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but still soft.

A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire batch onto a cutting board.

Slice into nine delicious squares (or more if you’re feeling generous).

Cookie Bar Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better texture in your cookie bars.
• Reserve some M&Ms to sprinkle on top before baking for a vibrant, bakery-style presentation.
• Insert a toothpick near the center – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfectly baked.
• Experiment with different cake mix flavors or swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to create unique variations.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Storing and Reheating Cookie Bars

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they don't become too hot or lose their soft texture. Add a small splash of water to keep them moist.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating. This helps restore their original soft and chewy consistency, making them taste freshly baked.

Perfect Pairings for Cookie Bars

• Milk Matchmaker: Cold, creamy milk perfectly balances the sugary sweetness of these colorful M&M cookie bars. Its smooth texture cuts through the richness, creating a classic dessert combo that never disappoints.
• Coffee Companion: Rich espresso or a smooth latte provides a robust contrast to the sugary treat. The bitter coffee notes complement the sweet cake mix bars, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream transforms these bars into a decadent dessert. The cold, creamy scoop melts slightly against the warm cookie bar, creating an irresistible texture explosion.
• Wine Wonderland: A sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port adds an elegant touch. Its fruity undertones enhance the M&M's chocolate and create a grown-up dessert pairing that feels luxurious.

Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cake mix cookie bars blend classic dessert magic into one irresistible treat. Chocolate chips and rich texture create a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 2 cups (340 grams) M&Ms

Optional Toppings/Mix-ins:

• None listed in original recipe

Baking Essentials:

• None listed in original recipe

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×9 inch pan with grease and create a parchment paper sling for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until achieving a uniform, dense consistency.
3. Gently incorporate M&Ms into the batter, reserving a small portion for decorative topping if desired.
4. Carefully spread the thick batter across the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution and pressing into all corners.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center. The edges should appear crisp while maintaining a soft interior.
6. Allow the baked bars to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then utilize the parchment sling to transfer to a cutting surface. Slice into nine equal squares or adjust size as preferred.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful bars.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter mixing and more consistent texture, preventing potential lumps or uneven distribution.
• Check doneness early by testing with a toothpick around 22-25 minutes, as ovens vary and you want to maintain a soft, gooey center without burning the edges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg