Introduction
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are one of those magical desserts that prove simple ingredients can create something truly irresistible. With a soft, chewy center and lightly crisp edges, these bars deliver all the comfort of homemade cookies with a fraction of the effort. I first made these on a day when I needed a quick dessert without pulling out half my pantry, and they instantly became a go-to recipe. Using cake mix as the base gives consistent results every time while still allowing plenty of room for customization. These bars are perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or last-minute sweet cravings. What I love most is their versatility; you can change flavors, mix-ins, and toppings depending on the occasion. Whether you enjoy them warm and gooey or cooled and neatly sliced, Cake Mix Cookie Bars are an easy, reliable treat that always disappears fast.
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Cake Mix Cookie Bars – Easy, Gooey, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars made using a simple boxed cake mix combined with butter and eggs—quick, customizable, and perfect for parties or last-minute treats.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or M&M’s, sprinkles, nuts)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips or your preferred mix-ins.
- Press dough evenly into the baking pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use funfetti cake mix for colorful birthday bars.
- Add crushed Oreos, peanut butter chips, or caramel bits for variety.
- For gooier bars, bake on the lower end of the time range.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable. It uses minimal ingredients, requires no special techniques, and produces soft, chewy bars with rich flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cake mix
Cake mix forms the base of the bars, providing flavor, sweetness, and structure.
Eggs
Eggs bind the dough together and help create a soft, chewy texture.
Vegetable oil
Oil adds moisture and keeps the bars tender rather than cakey.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips add richness and gooey pockets of sweetness.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar deepens flavor and adds chewiness.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until a thick, smooth dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it gently into the corners for an even layer.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the bars dry. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 12 to 16 bars. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Cake Mix Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For a warm, gooey texture, reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave.
Variations and Customizations
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are incredibly adaptable. You can use any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or lemon. Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch. Add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies for texture. For a layered version, spread a thin layer of frosting or caramel sauce on top after baking. You can also swirl cream cheese into the batter before baking for a richer, cheesecake-style bar. These bars are perfect for seasonal adaptations and themed desserts.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert contains gluten, eggs, and may contain dairy depending on mix-ins. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted using gluten-free cake mix. Nutritional values vary based on ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overbake
Slight underbaking keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Line the Pan
Parchment paper makes removal and slicing easier.
Flavor Boost
Add a pinch of espresso powder to chocolate versions for depth.
FAQs
Can I use any cake mix flavor?
Yes, almost all flavors work well.
Are these bars cakey or chewy?
They are chewy and cookie-like.
Can I freeze cookie bars?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Do I need frosting?
No, they are delicious on their own.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love them.
Can I add candy pieces?
Yes, candy works well as a mix-in.
Why are my bars dry?
They were likely overbaked.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, choose dairy-free mix-ins.
What pan size works best?
A standard rectangular baking pan works well.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are an easy, dependable dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for any occasion and a recipe you will reach for again and again when you need a quick, satisfying sweet treat.
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