Okay, friends, let’s talk dessert. Specifically, let’s talk about those nights when you’re craving something sweet, but the thought of pulling out all the baking ingredients feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s where these Cake Mix Cookie Bars come in! Think of them as the love child of a chewy cookie and a fudgy brownie, but with about a tenth of the effort. Honestly, they’re almost as easy as making a box of brownies, but they deliver that cookie satisfaction that a brownie just can’t quite reach. My family calls these “magic bars” because they disappear so fast! And the secret ingredient? A humble cake mix – that’s right, we’re making shortcuts that taste like they took hours.
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What are cake mix cookie bars?
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are essentially a delightful cheat code in the baking world. They take the convenience of a boxed cake mix and transform it into a chewy, gooey, utterly irresistible cookie bar. It’s kind of like taking your favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie dough and baking it in a pan instead of individual cookies, but the cake mix gives it a unique texture that’s hard to describe. Think of it as a slightly denser, softer, and chewier cookie bar – almost like a blondie, but even easier! And honestly, the variations are endless. You can customize them with all sorts of mix-ins, making them perfect for any craving.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Listen, I’m all about from-scratch baking when I have the time (and energy!). But some nights, I need a dessert that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a sink full of dishes. These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are exactly that.
- Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best “meh” cookies? The cake mix base provides a wonderful, subtly sweet canvas for whatever mix-ins you choose. I love chocolate chips, but I also love adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even just plain nuts.
- Ridiculously simple I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is almost foolproof. It’s basically dump, mix, and bake. Even the most novice baker can nail this one. My eight-year-old helps me make these, and he gets so proud of the results.
- Budget FriendlyCake mixes are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients. What is a good dessert to have on tuesday?
- So Versatile:Where does the fun start? Can you customize these bars with virtually any cake mix flavor you can dream up? What is the best yellow cake mix with sprinkles? What are the possibilities? I even tested this with a spice cake mix once and added chopped apples – it was like he was in the fall! What is an explosion in a pan?
What I love most about this is how adaptable they are to whatever you have in your pantry. What are some leftover M&Ms from Halloween? What is a great way to use up all the odds and ends and create something truly special? Compared to from-scratch cookies, these are a breeze, and they offer …
How do I make cake mix cookie bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Cake Mix Cookie Bars is seriously as simple as it gets. You’ll mix together a cake mix with some melted butter and eggs, stir in your favorite mix-ins, and bake until golden brown and gooey. The best part? Clean-up is a breeze! No creaming butter, no measuring a million different ingredients – just simple, delicious cookie bars in under an hour. I always do this when I need to bring something to a potluck last minute!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- I usually grab yellow or chocolate cake mix (any flavor you like) for my birthday.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melt. Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs!
- 2 large eggs.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch).
- 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, etc.). I usually do a mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chips.
For the optional glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar.
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (again, optional, but delicious!).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I use parchment paper to line my kitchen. You can also use a paper towel for easy removal. I always do this first so the pan is ready to go when the batter is! Is it worth doing this for 2 minutes?
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set aside. Do not over mix the bars. Be careful not to overmix as this can make them tough. What should be a thick, slightly sticky batter?
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
Gently fold in your favorite mix-ins. I usually do a combination of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, but feel free to get creative! What are some of the best M&Ms, pretzels and dried cranberries?
Step 4: Spread in Pan
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Is there a way to smooth it out?
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze (Optional)
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Drizzle over cooled bars. Can you skip the glaze and just dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation? I usually wait until they are fully cool, otherwise the glaze will melt into the bars.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze is set (if using), cut the bars into squares and serve. What are some of the best recipes to serve warm or at room temperature? I love to pair them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream.
What should I serve it with?
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are so versatile that they can be enjoyed in so many ways! What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For Breakfast:What’s a better way to start your day than with coffee? I love the contrast of the sweet cookie with a strong, bold coffee.
For Brunch:Slice the bars into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and yogurt. What are some easy and elegant brunch spreads? Add a mimosa bar for extra fun!
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an easy and delicious dessert. What are some comforting What are some ways to add whipped cream to a dessert?
For Cozy Snacks:What is better than a cookie bar with iced tea and milk? What is the best way to unwind after a long day?
My family tradition is to make these for movie night! What are cookie bars? We all gather in the living room with blankets and pillows, and these are always a hit. I’ve also brought them to countless potlucks and bake sales, and they always disappear in minutes. They’re truly a crowd pleaser!
How do you make a perfect cake mix?
What are some tips to ensure your cake mix cookie bars are foolproof? How do I make my food turn out perfectly every time?
Don’t Overmix:If you overmix cake mix, you can develop gluten in the cake, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in your mix-ins.
Use Melted (But Cooled) Butter: Melted butter helps create a chewy texture, but make sure it’s cooled slightly before adding it to the batter. Hot butter can cook the eggs and create a weird texture.
Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins! Chocolate chips are classic, but you can also add nuts, sprinkles, dried fruit, pretzels, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, or anything else your heart desires.
Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bars. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Let Them Cool Completely: This is important! Letting the bars cool completely before cutting them will prevent them from crumbling and will make them easier to slice.
Glaze Options: I’ve tested this recipe with a lemon glaze, using lemon juice instead of milk. It’s surprisingly good with a vanilla cake mix! Another thing I tried was browning the butter before melting it. It gives the bars a nutty, toffee-like flavor that’s totally addictive.
One lesson I learned the hard way is to not overbake these! They might look a little underdone in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these ahead of time? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cake Mix Cookie Bars:
Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best if eaten within the first day or two, but they’ll still be delicious!
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to skip the glaze until after they’ve been thawed. The glaze can get a little sticky in the freezer.
I usually make a big batch of these and freeze half for later. They’re perfect for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings! The texture might change slightly after freezing, but they’re still incredibly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the easiest, most delicious Cake Mix Cookie Bars you’ll ever make! They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, bringing to potlucks, or just enjoying a simple treat with your family. Seriously, these are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, the endless customization options mean you’ll never get bored! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy dessert recipes, like my five-ingredient peanut butter cookies or my no-bake chocolate lasagna. Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments what cake mix and mix-in combos you tried – I’m always looking for new ideas!
How to Whip Up 7 Irresistible Cake Mix Cookie Bars - Quick Recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages chocolate cake mix Each package is 18.25-ounce
- 0.75 cup butter melted
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2.5 cups butterscotch chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and almond extract until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips gently, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
- Bake the mixture for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Cut into squares to serve.
