Cake Mix Cookie Bars Easy Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Bar Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dessert, cake mix bar cookies are the perfect solution. These easy dessert bars combine the convenience of boxed cake mix with the satisfying texture of cookie bars, creating a treat that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Ease of preparation: One of the greatest benefits of these cake mix bar cookies is their simplicity. With just three main ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have freshly baked bars in under 30 minutes. There’s no need to measure out flour, sugar, or leavening agents the cake mix already contains everything needed for a perfect texture.

Versatility: The basic recipe serves as a wonderful canvas for countless variations. You can customize these bars with different cake mix flavors, add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, and even adapt them for various dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something chocolatey, fruity, or nutty, there’s a version of this recipe to satisfy your taste buds.

Distinctive flavor: Despite their simplicity, these bars offer a delightful combination of textures a slightly crisp edge with a soft, chewy center. The concentrated flavor from using a quality cake mix provides consistent results that taste homemade without requiring advanced baking skills. Perfect for everything from after-school snacks to last-minute potluck contributions.

Essential Ingredients for Cake Mix Bar Cookies

Creating these delicious cake mix bar cookies requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity while still delivering impressive results.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box of cake mix (vanilla, chocolate, or your preferred flavor) – Forms the base of the cookie bars and provides the structure and flavor
• 1/2 cup melted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together for the perfect cookie texture
• 1 egg – Provides structure and helps the bars hold their shape while baking

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chocolate chips – Adds bursts of chocolatey sweetness to the bars
• 1 cup M&Ms – Creates colorful, fun variations perfect for holidays and celebrations
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts – Adds crunch and protein to the dessert
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – Provides tart contrast to the sweet dough
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes – Adds tropical flavor and texture

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Use a vegan cake mix (many brands offer this option now) and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for regular butter.

Gluten-free: Choose a gluten-free cake mix, such as Betty Crocker gluten-free yellow cake mix. You may need to add 1/4 cup extra butter to achieve the right consistency, as gluten-free blends can sometimes be drier.

Low-calorie: Use a sugar-free cake mix and substitute applesauce or Greek yogurt for half of the butter. This reduces the calorie count while maintaining moisture and texture.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cake Mix Bar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delicious cake mix bar cookies is incredibly simple, even for those with limited baking experience. Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect bars every time.

First Step: Preparation and Preheating

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving golden edges while keeping the center soft and chewy. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This important step prevents the bars from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Ensure the paper extends slightly over the edges to create “handles” that will help you lift the bars out after baking.

Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Empty the entire box of cake mix into a large mixing bowl. At this stage, you can also add any dry mix-ins you plan to include, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Combining these ingredients before adding the wet ingredients helps distribute them evenly throughout the dough. For best results, use a whisk to break up any large lumps in the cake mix, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture in your final bars.

Third Step: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly but remain liquid. Crack the egg into the melted butter and whisk together until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cake mix in your large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or electric mixer on low speed, mix the ingredients together. Continue mixing until a thick, uniform dough forms. This typically takes about 2 minutes by hand or less than a minute with a mixer. The dough should be thick but pliable similar to traditional cookie dough consistency.

Fourth Step: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Using clean hands or the back of a spoon, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Try to maintain a consistent thickness throughout, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This ensures even baking and prevents some parts from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone. For a professional touch, you can run a straight edge (like a knife or ruler) across the top to create an even surface.

Fifth Step: Add Toppings (Optional)

If you’re adding toppings like extra chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a swirl of peanut butter, now is the time to do so. Gently press these toppings into the surface of the dough so they adhere but don’t sink too deeply. For layered bars, sprinkle additional ingredients like mini marshmallows or caramel bits on top of the dough before baking. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds extra flavor dimensions to your cake mix bar cookies.

Final Step: Bake and Cool

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the specific brand of cake mix used. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry, hard bars instead of soft, chewy ones.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial the bars need to set before cutting, or they may crumble. Allow at least 30-60 minutes for cooling. For best results, you can refrigerate the cooled bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting, which creates cleaner edges. After cooling, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.

Pro Tip: For extra soft bars, slightly underbake them by removing from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to cook as they cool and set up beautifully!

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cake Mix Bar Cookies

One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is to various dietary needs and preferences. With just a few simple substitutions, you can create cake mix bar cookies that work for everyone at your table.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For those looking to increase the protein content of these bars, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients before mixing. You may need to add an additional tablespoon of butter or a splash of milk to achieve the right consistency. To make egg-free bars, replace the egg with one of these alternatives:

• Flax egg: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• Chia egg: 1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• Applesauce: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• Mashed banana: 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana

For dairy-free options, simply replace the butter with coconut oil (melted), vegan butter, or even vegetable oil. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but will result in delicious bars. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note, while vegetable oil creates a more neutral flavor.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

While the basic recipe is quite simple, you can enhance the flavor profile with various additions. For a seasonal twist, consider these options:

Autumn: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree (adjust by reducing butter slightly). This creates a wonderful fall-inspired treat.

Summer: Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh berries or sliced stone fruit. The fruit will become slightly jammy during baking, creating pockets of sweetness.

Holiday: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive winter treat, or incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For those who enjoy a bit of zing, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to brighten the flavor profile. A splash of vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) also enhances the overall taste without being overwhelming.

Mastering Cake Mix Bar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are countless ways to take your cake mix bar cookies to the next level. These expert tips will help you create impressive variations that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Pro Cooking Techniques

For the best texture, avoid overmixing your dough. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make your bars tough rather than tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry mix remains visible.

For a professional-looking finish, run an offset spatula or knife under hot water, dry it, then smooth the top of the dough before baking. This creates a perfectly flat surface that looks polished and refined.

To create a marbled effect with peanut butter or Nutella, drop spoonfuls of your chosen spread onto the dough in the pan, then use a knife to gently swirl it through without fully incorporating it. This creates a beautiful visual pattern and adds pockets of complementary flavor.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different cake mix flavors to create entirely new desserts:

• Lemon bars with a white cake mix and lemon zest
• Red velvet bars with a chocolate ganache topping
• Spice cake bars with apple chunks and cinnamon
• Carrot cake bars with nuts and cream cheese frosting
• Funfetti bars with extra sprinkles for celebrations

Create a stuffed effect by spreading a layer of jam, Nutella, or peanut butter on half the dough, then folding the remaining dough over it. This creates a hidden surprise center that makes each bite exciting.

Presentation Tips

For a finished, professional look, consider these presentation ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple elegant touch
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream
• Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves
• Use a shaped cookie cutter to create festive shapes instead of squares

When cutting your bars, wipe your knife clean between cuts to create perfectly neat squares. For extra precision, chill the bars before cutting.

Make-Ahead Options

These bars are excellent for meal prep and entertaining. You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance, store it in the refrigerator, then bake when needed. The bars themselves stay fresh for several days and actually develop more flavor after sitting overnight.

For freezing, bake the bars completely, cool them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick homemade dessert anytime.

How to Store Cake Mix Bar Cookies: Best Practices

Proper storage ensures your cake mix bar cookies maintain their delicious texture and flavor for as long as possible. Here are the best methods for keeping your treats fresh.

Refrigeration

For short-term storage (up to one week), place your cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool, stable temperature helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft. If you’ve frosted the bars with cream cheese frosting or any perishable topping, refrigeration is essential to prevent spoilage.

To prevent the bars from sticking together, separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper. This is especially important if you’ve added toppings that might become tacky in the refrigerator.

Freezing

For long-term storage (up to 3 months), freezing is your best option. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This individual wrapping prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to thaw just what you need.

Alternatively, you can freeze the entire batch: wrap the uncut slab of bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before cutting and serving.

Reheating

While these bars are delicious at room temperature, briefly warming them can recreate that just-baked texture. For the best results, place individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating, which can make them tough.

If reheating a larger batch, a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes works well. This method helps restore the slightly crisp edges while keeping the interior soft and chewy.

Meal Prep Considerations

These cake mix bar cookies are excellent for meal prep because they hold their texture well throughout the week. Consider making a batch on Sunday to have homemade treats ready for school lunches, afternoon snacks, or after-dinner desserts throughout the week.

For easy portion control, cut the entire batch into individual squares immediately after cooling. Store them in separate containers or baggies for grab-and-go convenience.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Bar Cookies

Cake Mix Bar Cookies

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🍪 Whip up chewy, crowd-pleasing cookie bars in minutes using simple cake mix – perfect for last-minute treats!
📦 Foolproof recipe with endless mix-in options delivers bakery-style goodness without the hassle.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars

Ingredients

– 1 box of cake mix (vanilla, chocolate, or your preferred flavor) for base of the cookie bars and structure and flavor

– 1/2 cup melted butter for richness and binding ingredients together

– 1 egg for structure and holding shape while baking

– 1 cup chocolate chips for bursts of chocolatey sweetness

– 1 cup M&Ms for colorful fun variations

– 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch and protein

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries for tart contrast to sweet dough

– 1/2 cup coconut flakes for tropical flavor and texture

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Instructions

1-First Step: Preparation and PreheatingBegin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving golden edges while keeping the center soft and chewy. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This important step prevents the bars from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Ensure the paper extends slightly over the edges to create “handles” that will help you lift the bars out after baking.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dry IngredientsEmpty the entire box of cake mix into a large mixing bowl. At this stage, you can also add any dry mix-ins you plan to include, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Combining these ingredients before adding the wet ingredients helps distribute them evenly throughout the dough. For best results, use a whisk to break up any large lumps in the cake mix, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture in your final bars.

3-Third Step: Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsIn a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly but remain liquid. Crack the egg into the melted butter and whisk together until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cake mix in your large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or electric mixer on low speed, mix the ingredients together. Continue mixing until a thick, uniform dough forms. This typically takes about 2 minutes by hand or less than a minute with a mixer. The dough should be thick but pliable similar to traditional cookie dough consistency.

4-Fourth Step: Press the Dough Into the PanTransfer the dough to your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Using clean hands or the back of a spoon, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Try to maintain a consistent thickness throughout, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This ensures even baking and prevents some parts from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone. For a professional touch, you can run a straight edge (like a knife or ruler) across the top to create an even surface.

5-Fifth Step: Add Toppings (Optional)If you’re adding toppings like extra chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a swirl of peanut butter, now is the time to do so. Gently press these toppings into the surface of the dough so they adhere but don’t sink too deeply. For layered bars, sprinkle additional ingredients like mini marshmallows or caramel bits on top of the dough before baking. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds extra flavor dimensions to your cake mix bar cookies.

6-Final Step: Bake and CoolPlace the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the specific brand of cake mix used. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry, hard bars instead of soft, chewy ones.Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial the bars need to set before cutting, or they may crumble. Allow at least 30-60 minutes for cooling. For best results, you can refrigerate the cooled bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting, which creates cleaner edges. After cooling, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔥 Press dough firmly for even baking and chewy texture throughout.
🍫 Customize with M&Ms, white chocolate, or dried fruit for variety.
❄️ Store in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze bars for 2 months.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180 calories
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg