Name: Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; Additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)

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Short Description

These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are buttery, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips—an effortless dessert made from cake mix, eggs, butter, and pantry ingredients. Think cookie bars in cake form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly simple with minimal ingredients and prep
Soft, fudgy texture similar to cookie dough bars
Customizable with different cake mix flavors or add-ins
Perfect for feeding a crowd or packing in lunchboxes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 cup semi‑sweet chocolate chips
Additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Beat until fully blended and smooth.
Stir in the semi‑sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22–26 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is just set.
Remove from the oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and then slice into squares. Serve at room temperature, warm, or chilled.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Yields approximately 16 bars (4×4 if using a 9×9 pan)
Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Bake Time: 22–26 minutes
Cool Time: ~15 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Variations

Substitute the yellow cake mix for chocolate, funfetti, or lemon flavored cake mix
Mix in chopped nuts, toffee bits, dried fruit, or colorful candy pieces
Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a chocolate combo instead of semi‑sweet
Add ¼ cup of peanut butter or swirl in Nutella before baking
Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to intensify flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days—allow bars to come to room temperature before slicing
These bars can also be frozen: wrap slices individually or in layers with parchment; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
To warm, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds or place in a low oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Do I need to grease the pan if I use parchment paper?

You should lightly grease the pan even with parchment—it helps the paper stick and keeps batter from slipping.

2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes—chocolate, funfetti, lemon, or any flavor of cake mix will change the flavor profile deliciously.

3. Can I make these bars gluten‑free?

Yes—use a gluten‑free cake mix and ensure any add-ins are also gluten‑free.

4. Are these dairy‑free?

Not as written—they contain butter and semi‑sweet chocolate chips. You can use dairy‑free margarine and dairy-free chocolate chips to adapt.

5. Can I make these ahead?

Yes—prepare and bake in advance, store in an airtight container. They stay fresh and moist for days.

6. Can I reduce sugar or calories?

You can reduce add-in chocolate chips or swap to a sugar-reduced cake mix, but texture and sweetness may vary.

7. What if the center is still soft after baking?

If the center is underbaked, return to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes until just set—avoid overbaking for best texture.

8. Can I double the recipe?

You can double and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time to about 30–35 minutes.

9. Can I use muffin tins instead?

Yes—fill muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake for 14–17 minutes for cookie‑bar–style bites.

10. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Absolutely—add up to ½ teaspoon of your favorite spices for extra warmth and flavor variation.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Cookie Bars take convenience to the next level—only a few core ingredients turn into soft, chocolate-studded bars with minimal effort. Whether you keep them classic or jazz them up with mix-ins, these bars are ideal for quick dessert solutions, snack boxes, or satisfying sweet cravings.