Looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious? Say hello to these Cake Mix Cookie Bars! One bowl, endless mix-in options, and ready in a snap.
If a warm, gooey cookie and a soft, fluffy cake had a love child, it would undoubtedly be these Cake Mix Cookie Bars. This is such a fun way to jazz up a boring box of cake mix. It's quick, easy, endlessly customizable, and completely irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a bake sale, or just because Tuesday calls for cookies, this recipe has you covered.
The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for these little beauties to cool before cutting into them. My family has been caught sneaking the corner pieces while they’re still warm. 😉
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Cookie Bars
This Cake Mix Cookie Bar recipe is:
- Ridiculously easy: One bowl, minimal mess, and no mixer required.
- Versatile: Use any flavor of cake mix or mix-ins to suit your mood or pantry.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfectly chewy with a slightly crisp top, these bars are a hit with all ages.
- Quick to make: From prep to oven in under 10 minutes.
Helpful Tips
Line your pan.
Parchment paper makes removing the cookie bars a breeze and saves you from scrubbing a sticky pan.
Let them cool before slicing.
Patience is key! These bars slice best once fully cooled, so give them some time before diving in.
Which flavor of Cake Mix should I use?
The backbone of the recipe! Any flavor works, from classic yellow to decadent chocolate or even funfetti. Feeling adventurous? Try red velvet cake mix or spice cake mix.
What if my cake mix is the wrong size?
Brands have been downsizing their cake mixes in recent years. I know - it's very annoying! If your cake mix is between 14.5oz and 15.25oz, it's going to work just fine. If you find that your desired cake mix only comes in 13.25oz size, you can add 4 tablespoons of flour to the recipe to make it work!
What mix-ins should I use?
Chocolate chips are a classic, but feel free to get creative. Chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or a mix of candies are all fun options!
Storing Leftover Cookie Bars
You can keep any leftover bars in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Fun Variations to Try
If you need a little inspiration, here are some of my favorite flavor combinations:
Peanut Butter Lovers
Use a chocolate cake mix and fold in peanut butter chips or Reese’s pieces.
S’mores Bars
Add mini marshmallows, graham cracker bits, and chocolate chunks to a vanilla or chocolate cake mix.
Holiday Cookie Bars
Use white cake mix and stir in crushed peppermint candies or red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Tropical Flavors
Combine coconut flakes, dried pineapple chunks, and white chocolate chips with a yellow cake mix.
White Chocolate Raspberry
Use a white cake mix and mix-in white chocolate chunk and dried raspberries.
More Recipes to Try
If you love this simple dessert, be sure to check out these other sweet treats.
Recipe
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 15 oz boxed cake mix any flavor
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips or other mix-ins such as chopped candies, or nuts
- additional mix-ins if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9” x13” baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter and eggs until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be very thick.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (or other mix-ins of your choice).
- Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.
Nat
These were so good and easy. I use r chocolate cake mix and added peanut butter chips!
Steph
Oh my god. These were so fun and easy.