Cake Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cake cookie bars are a delightful treat that combine the soft texture of cake with the chewiness of cookies. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors and add-ins for a perfect sweet snack or dessert.

The image shows a stack of four thick, square blondie bars with colorful candy-coated chocolates baked inside, visible as red, blue, yellow, and orange spots. The top bar is leaned slightly forward, showing a soft, light golden brown texture with chocolate chunks and candy pieces in the inner layer. Some of the candy-coated chocolates are partially embedded and look shiny on the surface. Scattered around the bars are loose candy-coated chocolates in the same bright colors. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a soft, out-of-focus white patterned background. 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

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

Tips & Variations

  • Try different cake mix flavors like chocolate, yellow, or red velvet to change the taste.
  • Add a mix of chocolate chips and chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a softer bar, avoid overbaking and check with a toothpick around 17 minutes.
  • For a richer taste, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.

Storage

Store the cake cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.

How to Serve

The image shows an assortment of colorful dessert bars arranged on a white marbled surface. Each bar is roughly square and has one main layer with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. The bars are in various colors: some are light beige with colorful candy-coated chocolates on top, others have dark brown chocolate chips embedded in the surface, red velvet bars feature white chocolate chips, and a few beige bars are topped with multicolored sprinkles. The surface of each bar looks soft and slightly cracked, showing a moist interior. The bars are placed close together in a grid-like pattern, creating a vibrant and diverse display of treats. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mix with frosting included?

It’s best to use cake mix without frosting or topping included, as frosting ingredients may affect the texture of the bars.

What are some good add-ins for these bars?

Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and even mini marshmallows work well. Choose your favorites or mix several for variety.

Print

Cake Cookie Bars Recipe

Delicious and easy Cake Cookie Bars made by combining your favorite cake mix with eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then baking with your choice of add-ins for a fun twist on traditional cookies.

  • Author: Tara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 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 (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or candies)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set it aside for later use.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. Then fold in your choice of 1 ½ cups of add-ins. Note that the batter will be quite thick.
  3. Spread Batter: Transfer the thick batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly across the surface. For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle additional add-ins on top if desired.
  4. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until the edges puff up and start to set. The center should still be slightly soft but cooked through.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set nicely and prevents crumbling.

Notes

  • You can customize these bars with any cake mix flavor and add-ins you like, making them versatile and fun.
  • Ensure the bars cool fully before cutting to maintain their shape.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free add-ins.

Keywords: cake cookie bars, easy dessert, cake mix bars, cookie bars, quick bake

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