Cake mix cookie bars are the ultimate semi-homemade dessert. These lazy cookie bars are filled with colorful chocolate candy and are always a winner with the kids.

A box of cake mix can be used in so many different ways. I love using cake mixes for cookies like these lemon cookies and strawberry cookies. You can also use the mixes for brownies, waffles, strawberry bars, and banana bread.

Have you ever been invited to a gathering last minute and need to make something quick to bring? Or you might just be craving a sweet treat? These cookie bars with cake mix are just what you need!

All you need are 4 ingredients and 30 minutes to whip up these easy dessert recipe that everyone will love.

Why this recipe works

• Fast – Using a boxed cake mix makes this recipe quick to whip up.
• Simple – Only 4 simple ingredients needed and a perfect quick dessert.
• Delicious – These cake mix bars have a wonderful chewy texture and are filled with colorful chocolate candies.

Ingredients needed

• Yellow cake mix – This is the base of the bars.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is needed.
• Eggs – Two eggs are used for this recipe.
• Candy – M&M’s add a fun pop of color to these dessert bars.

How to make cookie bars with cake mix

Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.

1. Mix: Put the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs into a large bowl. Mix until combined
2. Stir: Stir the candy into the batter mixture.
3. Spread: Spread the cookie dough batter evenly in a 9 x 13 pan lined with parchment paper or foil. The batter is very thick so use a rubber spatula or even your hands to get the batter pressed down and spread.
4. Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 20-25 minutes or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
5. Cool: Make sure to let the bars cool before cutting.

How to store

Store: These cake mix cookie bars will stay good at room temperature in and airtight container for about 1 week.

Freeze: Cut the bars into squares. Wrap in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag. They will last for about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations

The great thing about these cookie bars is that you can use a variety of different candy. Here are a few options:

• Chocolate chips
• White chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Peanut butter chips
• Chopped Heath Bar
• Reeces Pieces
• Butterfinger

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use white cake mix, chocolate cake mix, strawberry cake mix, even red velvet cake mix.

Tips for making cake mix bars

• If you don’t want to use butter, you can substitute vegetable oil.
• Try not to over bake the bars.

More delicious cookie recipes

• Chocolate Oreo Chunk Cookies – Chocolate cookies with chunks of Oreo cookies.
• Banana Oatmeal Cookies – Chewy cookies that taste just like banana bread.
• Chocolate Chip Squares – A classic recipe.
• Oatmeal Fudge Bars – Oatmeal cookie bars layered with a delicious fudge middle.
• Blonde Brownies – Chewy blondies with white chocolate chips.

Let me know if you make this easy recipe.