Let me tell you, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as pie—well, cookie bars, really—then you’ve got to try these cake mix cookie bars! Seriously, they’re a game changer. Using cake mix as the base means you can whip these up in no time, and the best part? They’re unbelievably delicious! A few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to creating a treat that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to sweet fix for any occasion!
Ingredients List
Gathering these ingredients is super easy! Here’s what you’ll need to make the most scrumptious cake mix cookie bars:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor you love—chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti!)
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (this adds that lovely moisture)
- 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for the best texture)
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (because who doesn’t love melty chocolate in their cookie bars?)
Feel free to get creative with the cake mix flavor; the possibilities are endless! I promise, no matter what you choose, you’ll end up with a delicious dessert that everyone will adore.
How to Prepare Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these cake mix cookie bars is as straightforward as it gets, and I’m here to guide you through every delicious step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a warm, gooey treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a well-preheated oven helps your cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. I like to use a whisk or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s just how it should be!
- Fold in those chocolate chips: Now, it’s time for the magic! Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Oh, the anticipation of those melted chocolate pockets is making my mouth water!
- Spread the love: Grab a greased baking pan (I usually use a 9×13-inch pan) and pour your batter in. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and level so it bakes perfectly.
- Bake it to perfection: Pop your pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s got a few crumbs on it, you’re golden—just don’t overbake, or they’ll be dry!
- Cool it down: Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for a bit. I usually give them about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into bars. This step is crucial because it helps them set up nicely!
And there you have it! Simple, easy-to-follow steps for the best cake mix cookie bars ever. You’ll be indulging in these delightful treats before you know it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can have these cookie bars ready in just 35 minutes, from start to finish!
- Minimal cleanup: With just one bowl and a baking pan, cleaning up is a breeze.
- Customizable flavors: Use any cake mix flavor you fancy, and mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Soft and chewy texture: These bars come out perfectly soft and chewy every single time.
- Perfect for sharing: Cut them into bars and they’re great for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Kid-friendly: Easy enough for kids to help with, making them a fun family baking project!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your cake mix cookie bars turn out absolutely irresistible? I’ve got you covered with some handy tips that’ll elevate your baking game!
- Don’t skip the preheating: Preheating your oven is crucial! It ensures even baking and that perfect texture. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps the batter mix together more seamlessly, resulting in a smoother finish. Just take them out ahead of time!
- Watch your baking time: Ovens can be tricky! Start checking your bars at around 20 minutes. If the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean, you’re good to go!
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them set properly and makes for cleaner slices. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but it’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with add-ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether it’s nuts, coconut, or even a mix of different chocolate chips, adding your favorite ingredients can take these bars to the next level.
- Store them right: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready for your next sweet craving!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best cake mix cookie bars ever! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about these cake mix cookie bars is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to keep it fun and exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Different cake mix flavors: Don’t be shy! Experiment with different cake mixes like red velvet, lemon, or spice cake. Each flavor brings its unique twist, and they all make delicious bars!
- Nutty goodness: Add a cup of your favorite nuts—walnuts, pecans, or almonds—for a delightful crunch. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips!
- Dried fruit: Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a chewy texture and a burst of flavor. They pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the bars.
- Peanut butter or Nutella swirls: For a rich and indulgent treat, swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella right before baking. You’ll get those gooey pockets of goodness that are absolutely heavenly!
- Mix in some sprinkles: If you’re feeling festive, add some colorful sprinkles for a fun party vibe! They’ll brighten up your dessert and make it even more appealing to the kiddos.
- Chocolate lovers: For an extra chocolatey experience, try adding a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar!
With these variations, you can create a new batch of cake mix cookie bars every time! Trust me, they’ll never get boring, and your friends and family will be begging for more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious cake mix cookie bars and now you’re wondering how to store them? No worries! Keeping them fresh and tasty is super simple.
First, let the bars cool completely in the pan after baking. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can also freeze them! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat that tastes just as good as fresh out of the oven.
And there you have it! Whether you’re storing them for later or reheating, these tips will help you enjoy your cake mix cookie bars at their absolute best. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful cake mix cookie bars? Here’s a general estimate to help you keep track of your treats! Each bar is packed with flavor, and while they’re indulgent, they can fit into your dessert plans just fine.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific cake mix and any additional ingredients you choose to add. But no matter the variation, you can feel good about enjoying these tasty bars! Happy baking and snacking!
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these cake mix cookie bars is their versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for chocolate, vanilla, or even something fun like red velvet, any cake mix flavor works wonders. Just pick your favorite and get baking!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to start checking your cookie bars around the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even peanut butter swirls. The sky’s the limit! Just fold them in gently with the chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
How should I store the cookie bars?
After they’ve cooled completely, store your cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each bar and freeze them for up to two months. They’re perfect for when a sweet craving strikes!
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookie bars gluten-free. Just check the ingredients, and you’ll still get all that deliciousness without the gluten. You won’t even miss it!
Cake Mix Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistible Variations to Try
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Easy and delicious cake mix cookie bars.
Ingrédients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Mix until well blended.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of cake mix.
- Add nuts or other mix-ins if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 25g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: cake mix cookie bars, easy cookie bars, dessert recipes
