Cake Mix Cookie Bars

4.75 from 8 votes
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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, and banana bread.

stacked cookie bars


 

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.
bag of m&m's, eggs, butter, cake mix

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.

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.
candy in a bowl with batter

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.

Cake Mix Cookie Bars on a plate

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.

Let me know if you make this easy recipe.

cookie bars on a plate
4.75 from 8 votes

Cake Mix Cookie Bars

By Heather
These cake mix cookie bars can be made with just a few ingredients.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 squares

Ingredients 

  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups M&M's

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
  • Pour cake mix, eggs and butter in a large bowl. Stir until combined.
  • Stir in M&M's.
  • Spread batter in prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or hands to press down.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should start to turn golden brown. Cool before cutting.

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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Thank you for visiting Food Lovin’ Family! With 3 kids I know it can be hard getting food on the table. Here you will find easy and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These brownies were perfect; almost as good as using regular ingredients but faster and less time gathering ingredients: raising four boys leaves me little time to spend looking for ingredients. However, I always have a box of cake mix. Now two of my boys want to try different cake mixes and experiment. I call that a double success recipe. Thank you.

    1. I’m so happy you are enjoying them! With four boys I am sure you are so busy!! Thank you for the comment!

  2. 3 stars
    I followed the recipe to a T. Perfect conditions, turned out as just cake. Fluffy. Airy. Not dense or chewy like anything resembling a cookie. Tasty, but not at all what I was looking for. Would’ve just made regular cake tbh.