Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a quick and simple dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without much fuss, Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the answer! These bars are a twist on traditional cookies, made with a cake mix, and they come together in no time. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together, need a treat for a school event, or just want something sweet for the family, these cookie bars are sure to hit the spot. With minimal ingredients and even less effort, you’ll have a delicious, chewy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy—making them a versatile option for every taste preference. Let’s dive into how you can make these simple but irresistible cookie bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, what makes Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars such a fantastic treat? Here are just a few reasons:

• Super Easy to Make: With just a cake mix and a handful of ingredients, these bars are a breeze to prepare.
• No Special Skills Required: You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these bars—if you can stir, you can bake!
• Endless Flavor Possibilities: You can easily customize these bars by adding in different mix-ins like chocolate chips, candy pieces, or even dried fruit.
• Perfect for Busy Days: When you’re short on time but still want a homemade dessert, this recipe is your go-to.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookie bars are loved by both kids and adults, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a casual treat.
• Quick Cleanup: With fewer bowls and utensils to clean, these bars are a stress-free treat for you and your kitchen.
• Soft and Chewy: The texture of these bars is absolutely perfect—soft, chewy, and just the right amount of gooey in the middle.
• Great for Gift Giving: Package them up in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a simple homemade gift for friends or neighbors.
• Store Well: These bars stay fresh for days, meaning you can enjoy them well after they’ve cooled down.
• Budget-Friendly: Since you’re using cake mix, this is a cost-effective way to whip up a homemade treat without breaking the bank.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on how you cut them)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

You won’t need much to make these Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 box of cake mix (any flavor you like, but vanilla or chocolate are the most popular)
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white—your choice!)
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/2 cup of candy pieces (M&M’s, crushed Oreos, etc.)
• 1/2 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cake Mix: This is the star ingredient that makes the process so fast and easy, providing the base flavor for the cookie bars.
• Vegetable Oil: Gives the bars a rich, moist texture while keeping them soft and chewy.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and provide structure to the cookie bars.
• Mix-ins: Add your favorite candies, nuts, or dried fruits to create a personal touch or holiday-inspired flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make these quick and easy cookie bars? Just follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined—this part should only take about a minute or two. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them in now.
3. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Cookie Bars

1. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden.
2. Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can let them cool in the pan.

Slice and Serve

1. Slice the Bars: Once cooled, slice the cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. You can cut them into bigger or smaller pieces, depending on how you want to serve them.
2. Enjoy: Grab a plate, and enjoy your freshly baked cookie bars! They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.

How to Serve

These Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars are already so easy, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

1. With Ice Cream: For a more decadent treat, serve these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yum!
2. On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a festive plate for parties or gatherings, and watch as guests flock to them.
3. For School Treats: Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and they’re ready to hand out to kids for a school event or classroom treat.
4. Gift-Wrapped: Give them as gifts by wrapping them up in clear plastic bags and tying them with a cute ribbon.
5. Coffee Pairing: These cookie bars are great with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
6. Add Sprinkles: Top them with colorful sprinkles to match a party theme or holiday celebration.
7. As Party Favors: Hand them out in little bags as sweet party favors for guests to take home.
8. With Frosting: If you’re craving a little extra sweetness, add a thin layer of frosting on top of each bar.
9. With Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
10. For a Crowd: Bake a double batch and serve on a large platter for a bigger gathering.

Additional Tips

Maximize the flavor and ease of these Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars with a few helpful tips:

1. Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors: Try different cake mix flavors like lemon, red velvet, or spice cake to switch things up!
2. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookie bars as they bake. If you like them slightly gooey in the middle, remove them a minute or two earlier.
3. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool before slicing them. Cutting them while they’re still warm can result in a messier, stickier treat.
4. Use a Larger Pan for Thinner Bars: If you want thinner cookie bars, use a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch) to spread the batter out more.
5. Store Properly: Keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
6. Customize the Mix-ins: Get creative with your add-ins! Try crushed pretzels, peanut butter chips, or coconut for a twist.
7. Double the Recipe: For larger crowds or if you want to make sure there are leftovers, double the recipe and bake in a larger pan.
8. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined—overmixing the batter can result in a denser texture.
9. Try Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix to make these bars.
10. Add a Topping: Top with whipped cream or frosting for a fancier dessert experience.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Here are a few creative twists on your cookie bars:

• S’mores Bars: Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham cracker pieces for a s’mores-inspired treat.
• Peanut Butter Bars: Add peanut butter chips to the batter for a peanut-buttery twist. You could even swirl in some peanut butter.
• Candy Bars: Chop up your favorite candy bars (Snickers, Twix, etc.) and stir them into the batter for a sweet surprise.
• Coconut Macadamia Bars: Add shredded coconut and macadamia nuts for a tropical feel.
• Apple Cinnamon Bars: Add diced apples, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.
• Chocolate Overload: Add white, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a chocolate lover’s dream.

Freezing and Storage

You can easily store or freeze these cookie bars for later enjoyment!

• Room Temperature Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, and they’ll be just as gooey as fresh out of the oven!

faq section

These Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a hit for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious dessert. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a quick and easy treat, this recipe is perfect. But, if you have any questions or need a little extra guidance, check out these FAQs to help you make the best batch of cookie bars possible!

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you like—vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, or even fun flavors like funfetti. The possibilities are endless, and each flavor will give the bars a unique twist.

2. Can I make these cookie bars without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacement. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. It works well in this recipe!

3. Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes! These cookie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

4. How can I make these bars more chewy or cakey?

For chewier bars, add an extra tablespoon of oil or butter, and for cakier bars, you can add a little more cake mix or reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Adjust based on your preferred texture!

Print

Conclusion

There you have it—quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious Quick Cake Mix Cookie Bars that are perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a homemade treat that will be loved by all. So go ahead and give these bars a try! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!