Name: Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup peanut butter; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 0.5 cup vegetable oil

Okay, picture this: I’m Is it a Tuesday night, you just finished putting the kids to bed, and you’re craving something? What is it like to pull out all the ingredients for a full-blown baking session? What are cake mix cookie bars? What is the difference between a gooey blondie cookie and Chocolate Chip Cookie? *way* easier to make. Think of them as a lazy girl’s alternative to complicated cookies, but with all the deliciousness. What is cake mix?Cake Mix cookie bars are a great snack.Are so easy even your kids can help make them? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What are some of the best addictive drinks?

What are cake mix cookie bars?

Alright, so what exactly *are* these magical bars? Think of it like this: it’s a shortcut to cookie perfection. It starts with a simple box of cake mix – any flavor works, but I’m partial to yellow or chocolate – and gets jazzed up with butter, eggs, and your favorite mix-ins. You press it into a pan, bake it until it’s golden brown and wonderfully chewy, and then – optional, but highly recommended – you drizzle it with a simple glaze. It’s essentially a semi-homemade dessert that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The beauty of these Cake mix Cookie Bars. What are some examples?Is that they are super easy to make?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons I love this recipe? You get that classic cookie chewiness, but with a hint of cake-like moistness that’s just heavenly. If you choose a cake mix, you can customize it to be chocolatey, vanilla-y or even ganachey. What is the best part about simplicity? This recipe literally takes 10 minutes to throw together. I’m serious! What is a good dessert to make for dinner? What is the cost-efficiency? Cake mix is usually pretty cheap, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.Cake mix cookie bars are delicious. They are also greatWhat I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Can you add chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, dried fruit…the possibilities are endless? What are some recipes for crushed Oreos? Is there any similarity between Chocolate Chip cookie bars and chocolate chips?Cake mix cookie bars are delicious. Is there anyWhat makes a dish taste better?

How do you make cake mix cookie bars?

Quick Overview

Making these cake mix cookie barsHow do I make a cake mix? If you like, press it into a baking pan, sprinkle with your favorite toppings, and bake until golden brown. Add a simple glaze for extra sweetness and presentation. That’s it! I’m a baking newbie and I can’t wait to try this recipe. What is the ultimate no-fuss dessert?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
Is Duncan’s cake mix good for you? How do Betty Crocker and Hines work together? Don’t use a cake mix that already has pudding in it, you want plain simple mix. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure the butter is cooled slightly before adding it to the recipe. Is it possible to add eggs to a cake mix? * 2 large eggs – Use room temperature eggs for the best results. They’ll incorporate into the batter more easily.

For Filling (Optional):
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) – Feel free to get creative here! Use white chocolate chips, Peanut Butter chips, or even chopped-up candy bars.
* 1/4 cup sprinkles – Sprinkles add a fun and festive touch. I usually go for rainbow sprinkles, but you can use any color you like.
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – If you’re a nut lover, add a handful of chopped nuts to the batter. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

For Glaze (Optional):
* 1 cup powdered sugar – Sift the powder before using it to prevent lumps in your glaze. * 2-3 tablespoons milk – Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor of the fruit.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have an overhang on the sides of a pan, you can line it with parchment paper. I find that greasing and flouring the pan is the way to go! This makes sure the bottom is clean.Cake mix Cookie Bars. don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix a batter as this can result in sloppy bars. How do you fold ingredients together with a rubber spatula? If you overmix the dry ingredients the bars will come out of the oven tough and rubbery, so be careful.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

What are some of the best wet ingredients to cook? Just make sure the butter is not too hot when you add it. I’ve accidentally cooked the eggs before by adding very hot butter.

Step 4: Combine

Since there is only the cake mix, and the wet ingredients, be sure to fold in the melted butter and serve.Cake mix cookie bars. How do I make them?Aren’t tough after baking? Just take your rubber spatula and gently mix them in until the batter is just combined.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If you’re adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or any other mix-in, gently fold them into the bowl. If they aren’t present, they can be removed. I love adding a mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips for richer flavor. Sometimes I love adding crushed Oreos, or chopped Twix bars into my recipe.Cake mix cookie bars. How do I make them more!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? If you’re using a glaze, wait until the bars have cooled completely before drizzling it over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. One time the bottom of my bars were burt but the tops weren’t baked enough!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. How do I prevent them from crumbling? If you’re adding a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars. The glaze is definitely optional but it does add an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look so good.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve.Cake mix cookie bars. How do I make them?Are delicious served warm or at room temperature? I’ve even been known to sneak one straight from the fridge! For a fun presentation, try arranging the bars on platter and garnishing with fresh berries or sliced almonds. Dusting of powdered sugar.

What should I serve it with?

These Cake mix cookie bars are a great snack.Are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

For Breakfast: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day. I love pairing them with a latte or a cappuccino. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself on a weekend morning.

For Brunch: Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mini quiches for an elegant brunch spread. They add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory dishes.

As Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent after-dinner treat. My family loves this combination! It’s like a mini sundae.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa on a cozy night in. They’re the perfect comfort food for snuggling up on the couch and watching a movie. My husband and I love to dunk them into our hot chocolate! It’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold day.

My family has a tradition of making these cake mix cookie bars every year for the holidays. We love to experiment with different cake mix flavors and mix-ins to create unique and festive variations. Last year, we made peppermint bark cake mix cookie bars for Christmas, and they were a huge hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Want to take your cake mix cookie bars to the next level? Here are some expert tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the cake mix, resulting in tough bars. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. A gentle hand is key!

Ingredient Swaps: Experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique variations. Chocolate cake mix, strawberry cake mix, lemon cake mix…the possibilities are endless! I once used a red velvet cake mix and added cream cheese frosting – it was divine!

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. I always start checking them a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch. Or, whisk in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze. I also love adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a warm and cozy flavor.

I’ve learned that a little bit of experimentation can go a long way in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this recipe! One time I accidentally added too much milk to the glaze, and it turned out runny. But you know what? It still tasted delicious! Sometimes mistakes can lead to happy discoveries.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to keep your cake mix cookie bars fresh and delicious? Here are some storage and reheating tips:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first 24 hours, when they’re still soft and chewy.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may become slightly firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste great.

Freezer Instructions: For long-term storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to wait until after they’ve thawed to add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

I always make a big batch of these cake mix cookie bars and freeze some for later. It’s so convenient to have a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes! One time I forgot to wrap them properly before freezing, and they got a little freezer burn. But they were still edible! I just trimmed off the freezer-burned parts before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour both make excellent gluten-free cake mixes. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the batter to achieve the right consistency. I would start with 1-2 tablespoons and see how it combines. Be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. Also, the texture may be slightly different than the regular bars, but they’ll still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t include zucchini!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! To make muffins, simply spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Muffins are a great option for portion control and they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or omit it altogether. You can also use a sugar-free cake mix or substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the texture and flavor of the bars, so experiment to find what works best for you. Another option is to add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other options! You can dust the bars with powdered sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or top them with a simple cream cheese frosting. You can also sprinkle them with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added texture and flavor. Another option is to serve them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for cake mix cookie bars! They are seriously one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you’ll ever make. The combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility makes them a winner in my book. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with these delightful bars. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy dessert recipes, like my no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars or my one-bowl brownies. And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let me know how your cake mix cookie bars turned out! I can’t wait to hear about your creative variations and delicious creations. Happy baking!