Introduction

These bar cookies made from cake mix are an easy and versatile treat perfect for any occasion. You can customize them with your favorite add-ins for a delightful, chewy dessert that comes together in minutes.

A stack of four square blondie bars is shown on a white marbled surface, with one blondie leaning against the stack at the front. Each blondie has a golden-brown top layer studded with colorful candy-coated chocolates in bright red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. The middle layer is a soft, dense cake-like texture with spots of melted chocolate and colorful candy pieces visible inside. Around the blondies, scattered candy-coated chocolates add extra color to the scene. The background is a subtle white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 oz cake mix (any flavor)
2 large eggs
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the add-ins until well mixed. The batter will be very thick.
Step 3: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and use a spatula or your hands to evenly spread it across the surface. Optionally, sprinkle extra add-ins on top.
Step 4: Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges puff up and begin to set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

Try mixing different flavors of cake mix with complementary add-ins, like chocolate chips with a yellow cake mix or dried cranberries with white cake mix.
For extra gooey bars, add a handful of mini marshmallows or swirl in some peanut butter before baking.
If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the edges.

Storage

Store the cooled bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of various square brownies and blondies arranged on a white marbled surface, each about two layers thick with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. The blondies are topped with colorful candy pieces like red, blue, green, orange, and yellow M&M’s or rainbow sprinkles, and some have white chocolate chips, showing a pale golden top layer and a dense base. The brownies are rich dark brown, some studded with dark chocolate chips and others with white chocolate chips, adding contrast through their glossy, slightly cracked surfaces. The arrangement is casual, with the squares closely set but not touching. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like. Just choose your favorite and pair it with complementary add-ins for the best results.

What are some good add-ins to try?

Common add-ins include chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, candies, or even cookie pieces. You can get creative based on what you enjoy most in your desserts.

Bar Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 142 reviews

These Bar Cookies made from cake mix are an easy and versatile dessert option that can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Made with simple ingredients like cake mix, eggs, butter, and vanilla, these bars bake quickly into moist, chewy treats perfect for any occasion.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Yield: 12 to 15 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

15.25 oz cake mix, any flavor
2 large eggs
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins

1 ½ cups add-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, dried fruits, or candies)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the cookies later.
Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 2 large eggs, melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir these together until just combined. Then fold in your choice of 1 ½ cups of add-ins. The batter will be thick and dense.
Transfer and level: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to evenly spread the batter all across the pan. If you want, sprinkle additional add-ins on top for extra texture and flavor.
Bake the bars: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes. Look for the edges to puff up and start setting as a sign they’re done. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist.
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the bars set properly for cleaner slices.

Notes

You can customize these bars with any add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.
Make sure not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
If you prefer thicker bars, use a smaller pan or reduce the baking time slightly to prevent drying out.
These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your add-ins are gluten-free.

Keywords: cake mix bars, easy bar cookies, quick dessert, cake mix dessert, customizable bars