Cake Mix Cookie Bars: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make

I remember being a newlywed and utterly terrified of baking. My attempts at even the simplest cookies resulted in hockey pucks or gooey messes. Then, my neighbor Rita shared a little secret: cake mix cookies. The first batch I made with her recipe were devoured within minutes, warm chocolate smudges left on happy faces. To this day, the smell of these bars baking brings me right back to that cozy little kitchen, filled with the sweet scent of success and the joy of sharing something delicious. These Cake Mix Cookie Bars, inspired by Rita’s original recipe, are just as easy, just as delicious, and even more convenient.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 18
• Yields: 18 big bars
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (18 ounce) box cake mix (any flavor you like)
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ cup Crisco (or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup of any chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate)

Equipment Needed

• 9×11 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease and flour a 9×11 inch baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent the bars from sticking! Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and Crisco.

3. Mix all ingredients together by hand until just combined. The mixture will be quite thick, similar to a brownie batter. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough bars.

4. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Because the batter is thick, you might find it easier to press it into the corners with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the middle is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked bars will be fudgier and more delicious.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips: The quality of your chocolate chips will significantly impact the overall flavor of the bars. Splurge on a good brand for the best results.
• Customize with extracts: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make them festive: Use different colored sprinkles or candies to match any holiday or occasion.
• For a chewier texture: Use melted butter instead of Crisco.
• Pan Size Matters: If you only have a 9×13 pan, they will be thinner and bake slightly faster. Conversely, an 8×8 pan will result in thicker bars, requiring a longer baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values per bar, based on using milk chocolate chips and yellow cake mix)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	229 kcal	11%
Total Fat	12g	19%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	31mg	10%
Sodium	203mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Sugars	21g	82%
Protein	3g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
• Vegan: This recipe is more challenging to make vegan, as it relies heavily on eggs. However, you could try using a vegan cake mix and substituting the eggs with applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. Note that the texture and flavor will be different.
• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Nuts about nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Candy overload: Use chopped candy bars instead of chocolate chips for a fun twist. Think Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or M&Ms.
• Citrus Zest: Add zest from a lemon, orange, or lime for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Different Cake Mixes: Experiment with different cake mix flavors! Chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips, strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chips, or red velvet cake mix with cream cheese frosting swirls are all delicious options.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will require a shorter baking time.

Q: Can I use oil instead of Crisco?
A: Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for Crisco. The texture of the bars may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

Q: My bars are too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: You may have overbaked them. Be sure to check for doneness frequently during the last few minutes of baking. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Q: My bars are too gooey. What did I do wrong?
A: They may be underbaked. Continue baking for a few more minutes until the center is set. Also, make sure you measured the ingredients correctly.

Q: Can I add frosting to these bars?
A: Absolutely! Frosting can elevate these bars to a whole new level. Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple glaze would be delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. They are the perfect treat for a busy weeknight, a potluck gathering, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of baking (without the stress!). I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!