Name: Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.25 oz pack yellow cake mix; 1 cup oil or melted butter; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1.5 cups chocolate chips, semisweet or milk chocolate ((12oz))

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You know those days when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s when I turn to my trusty Cake Mix Cookie Bars. They’re an absolute lifesaver for unexpected guests or when I just need a quick treat for myself. I remember the first time I made them; I had a last-minute gathering and was in a bind. With just a few simple ingredients, I whipped up these bars, and they were gone in minutes! The combination of the cake mix and chocolate chips creates a deliciously simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
9×13 inch pan, Mixing Bowl, Spatula

Why This Cake Mix Cookie Bars Hits Different

What I love about Cake Mix Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, like nuts or dried fruit, making them a great canvas for creativity. Here are a few reasons why I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this recipe too:

1. Quick and Easy

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find that these cookie bars come together in no time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something sweet without the fuss!

2. Perfect for Sharing

These bars yield a generous amount, making them ideal for gatherings or parties. You can simply cut them up and serve—no need for plates or utensils!

3. Soft and Chewy Texture

The combination of cake mix and chocolate chips gives these bars a soft, chewy texture that’s irresistible. I love how every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness!

4. Kid-Friendly Fun

This recipe is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love mixing the ingredients and helping to decorate with toppings.

5. Endless Variations

You can easily switch up the flavors by using different cake mixes or chocolate varieties. Imagine a red velvet version with cream cheese frosting or a lemon cake mix with white chocolate chips!

6. No Fancy Equipment Needed

All you need is a mixing bowl and a baking pan. There’s no need for a stand mixer or any complicated tools.

7. Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday party, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat at home, these Cake Mix Cookie Bars fit in perfectly. You can serve them warm straight from the oven or let them cool for a later treat.

Everything You Need for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

The beauty of Cake Mix Cookie Bars lies in their simple yet effective ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect sweet treat. The cake mix serves as the base, providing flavor and structure, while the chocolate chips add that irresistible sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

1.25 oz pack yellow cake mix: This is the foundation of your bars, giving them a sweet and moist texture.
1 cup oil or melted butter: This adds richness and moisture, ensuring your bars are chewy rather than dry.
2 large eggs at room temperature: Eggs help bind everything together and contribute to the bars’ structure.
1½ cups (12 oz) chocolate chips, semisweet or milk chocolate: The star ingredient that adds decadent chocolate flavor to every bite.

Cooking Method for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Making these Cake Mix Cookie Bars is a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip them up! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of cookie bars. Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). It’s crucial to have the oven ready so that your bars bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with oil or melted butter. This is where you’ll create the wet mixture that binds the dry ingredients.
Add the yellow cake mix to the bowl. Using a spatula, mix everything together until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit stiff; this is normal!
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delicious chocolatey bite in every piece.
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to press the dough evenly into the pan. This may take a little effort, but it will ensure all the bars are uniformly baked.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a light golden brown edge while the center remains soft.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling process will allow them to set up perfectly.
Once cool, use the edges of the parchment or directly cut into 16 bars. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough bars. Stir just until combined.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations: Try adding nuts or swapping out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.

Tips and Tricks about Cake Mix Cookie Bars

These tips will help you make the best Cake Mix Cookie Bars possible. With a few simple tricks, you can elevate your baking game!

Chill the Dough: If you’re making the dough ahead of time, chilling it helps prevent spreading.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips: High-quality chocolate enhances the flavor of your bars significantly.
Experiment with Frosting: Adding a layer of frosting on top can take these bars to the next level.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix for a delicious alternative.
Personalize with Mix-Ins: Add in your favorite nuts, candies, or coconut for unique flavors.
Layer it Up: For extra decadence, layer with ice cream for a cookie bar sundae!

Pairing Suggestions for Cake Mix Cookie Bars

When it comes to enjoying your Cake Mix Cookie Bars, there are so many fun ways to serve them up. Here are some ideas:

With a Glass of Milk: These cookie bars are perfect alongside a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic pairing!
For Birthday Parties: Serve them as a fun dessert option that both kids and adults will love.
As After-School Snacks: These bars are great for kids coming home from school, providing a sweet treat without too much fuss.
Warm with Ice Cream: Heat them up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.
During Holidays: These bars can be decorated with holiday-themed sprinkles for festive occasions.
Pack for Lunch: They make an easy sweet addition to lunchboxes, pleasing both kids and adults alike!

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the great things about Cake Mix Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can easily swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti. Each flavor brings a unique twist, and you can match the chocolate chips to complement the cake mix. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination!

To keep your Cake Mix Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture. If you want them to last longer, you can also refrigerate them, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid any moisture buildup!

Yes! Cake Mix Cookie Bars freeze really well. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

The opportunities for customization are endless! You can add nuts, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruits to your Cake Mix Cookie Bars. If you love a little extra crunch, try folding in some pretzels or crushed candies. Decorating with frosting or sprinkles on top is another fun way to make them festive and visually appealing!

Conclusion

The simplicity and deliciousness of Cake Mix Cookie Bars truly make them a standout dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them; you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Enjoy this easy recipe and make it your go-to dessert for gatherings, snacks, or just a sweet indulgence.