Cake Mix Cookie Bars Dessert Recipe (2024)

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ByAnn Drake

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These cake mix cookie bars are rich and delicious, but are so easy and take just a few minutes to assemble. This treat can be served warm and gooey straight from the oven, or let them cool and serve perfect little bars.

Something I would love to do at some point in my life is sort through and organize the recipes in my recipe box.

Yes…I still have a recipe box, and if you’ve followed me for even a little while, you know it’s full of cards, bits of paper, and pages torn out of magazines.

I could never give it up.

In that recipe box, is a card for “Almost Candy Bars.” The recipe card is in my handwriting, but the space for “recipe from the kitchen of” says Mom. Since my mom passed away several years ago, any reminder of her is always a good thing. I wish the card was in my mom’s handwriting, but just the fact that it was her recipe makes it very special. For this post, I renamed her recipe “cake mix cookie bars,” but all the easy ingredients are the same. It takes just a few minutes to assemble, and pop in the oven.

Ingredient Notes + Variations

Even though it has just six ingredients, these cake mix bars can still be adapted to your family’s tastes.

  • Any type of nut can be substituted for the walnuts. Pecans or sliced almonds would be delicious.
  • I recommend using the chocolate chips to keep the signature flavor, but the butterscotch chips can be swapped out with another variety. White chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or caramel chips would be beautiful as well as very tasty.
  • Coconut can also be added as a topping. If your family’s tastes are divided where coconut is concerned, just sprinkle it on half of the pan.
  • I’ve never tried it, but I’m sure a yellow cake mix can be substituted for the white cake mix. Update: an OSP reader left a comment to say that she used a yellow cake mix and the bars were delicious! If anyone has tried a chocolate cake mix, please let us know in the comments!

How to Make

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the box of cake mix and butter until tiny crumbs form. Use a pastry blender or your fingers.
  • Apply cooking spray to the sides of a 9 x 13 glass baking pan with nonstick spray.
  • Press the cake mix/butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it out, and making it as even as possible.
  • In layers, sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and walnuts.
  • Drizzle the can of sweetened condensed milk over entire pan.
  • Bake for 25 minutes. Top should be golden brown when done.
  • Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookie Bars

  • I used a 9 x 13 inch baking dish for these cookie bars, but the original recipe says to use a 10 x 15 inch pan. The bigger pan would give you a thinner bottom crust, and the sweetened condensed milk would spread out more. Both versions are delicious!
  • The exact amount of cake mix included in a box has been varying over the past vew years. It doesn’t affect this recipe. Use whatever cake mix brand you like best.
  • To serve these cake mix cookie bars warm from the oven, just scoop portions out of the pan with a large spoon. Bowls work best, and it’s delicious to add a bit of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • To serve the recipe as bars, make sure to let it cool completely. Use a very sharp knife to slice the pieces, and then remove them with a spatula. (Do not use a ceramic knife to cut the bars…it may break!)

This easy dessert recipe for cake mix cookie bars are definitely a splurge, but when you make them, there are plenty to share with family and friends. I took some to my dad, and told him the story of the recipe card. He gave these cake mix cookie bars two thumbs up, and said I could make them anytime!

Shop + Source

Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.

*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cake Mix Cookie Bars Dessert Recipe (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store these cookie bars?
Storage is easy. Place these cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container (or just cover the pan with plastic wrap) at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze these bars?
Yes! Place the already-cut and cooled bars in a freezer safe container. Use parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Do I have to use the whole can of sweetened condensed milk?
Definitely not. When you think it’s gooey enough, just stop pouring!

More Cake Mix Recipes

  • Simplified Berry Chantilly Cake
  • Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
  • Cake Mix Quick Bread
  • How to Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade
  • The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Cake Mix Cookie Bars Dessert

These cake mix cookie bars are rich, delicious, and they take just a few minutes to assemble.

Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.64 from 71 votes

Servings: 20 bars

Author: Ann Drake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Cooling time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick very soft)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and butter until tiny crumbs form. Use a pastry blender or your fingers.

  • Spray the sides of a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with nonstick spray.

  • Press the cake mix/butter mixture into the bottom of the pan, smoothing it out, and making it as even as possible.

  • In layers, sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and walnuts.

  • Drizzle the can of sweetened condensed milk over entire pan.

  • Bake for 25 minutes.

  • Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg

Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!

Cake Mix Cookie Bars Dessert Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you use milk instead of water in Betty Crocker cake mix? ›

Yes, you can substitute milk for water when preparing SuperMoist cake mixes, however, the cake may be slightly drier than if prepared with water. Also keep in mind that milk will add calories and change the nutrition slightly.

How to make box cupcakes taste like bakery? ›

Easy Ways to Make Your Boxed Cupcake Mix Taste Better
  1. Add an extra egg. ...
  2. Replace water with whole milk, coffee, or soda. ...
  3. Add sugar and flour to the dry mix. ...
  4. Use butter instead of oil. ...
  5. Grab a handful of mix-ins. ...
  6. Ditch canned icing.

What can I add to a store bought yellow cake mix? ›

For vanilla or yellow cake mixes, try adding diced crystallized ginger, dried fruit, or fresh berries. For chocolate or vanilla cake mixes, try adding unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.

What happens if you add an extra egg to cake mix? ›

The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor. The extra egg also helps the cake have a more stable texture, which is great if you want to bake it up as a layer cake instead of a sheet cake or cupcakes.

Is it better to use butter or oil in cake mix? ›

Why does oil give cake superior texture? Butter is 18% water, so when the batter is baked, some of its liquid evaporates. Replacing the water from the butter with oil means there's more fat left in the cakes to ensure tenderness.

Should I add an extra egg to cake mix? ›

Use an extra egg: Most boxed mixes will call for three eggs. Use four for a cake that's richer-tasting and moister. This tip is one I use practically every time I make a boxed cake mix. Substitute dairy: Replace the water called for on the package with dairy.

How to doctor up a box cake mix? ›

Enhance With Extracts

Pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract are great options, but you could also try lemon extract or orange extract paired with fresh citrus zest. Although more expensive, vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla beans will provide even richer flavor to a boxed mix.

What does sour cream replace in cake mix? ›

How to use sour cream with boxed cake mix. The best way to use sour cream with a boxed cake mix is to use it to replace the other liquids in the recipe, like milk or water. You can add up to a cup, or essentially the same amount of liquid you were originally meant to add, per the manufacturer's instructions.

How do you make a box cake taste richer? ›

Using your Mad Hungry Spurtle Set, sift and stir your eggs, fats, and liquids, to achieve that velvety batter we all know and love.
  1. Replace Water with Milk or Buttermilk.
  2. Substitute Oil for Butter.
  3. Use More Eggs.
  4. Add Vanilla Extract.
  5. Make It a Chocolate Lovers' Cake. ...
  6. Decorate Your Cake Like A Pro.

How do you make a box cake taste like a bakery cake? ›

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

What can I add to my Betty Crocker cake mix to make it better? ›

Other ways to improve your box cake mix
  1. Use coffee instead of water for chocolate cakes. ...
  2. Sour Cream is perfect for adding moisture and rich flavor. ...
  3. Pudding adds moisture and flavor. ...
  4. Vanilla & Salt give the cake a more homemade taste. ...
  5. Butter instead of oil. ...
  6. Mix-Ins can both personalize your cake and add flavor.

What does extra butter do to a cake? ›

As a commonly used fat, butter is largely responsible for the amount of moisture in your cake, cookies, cupcakes, and so on. So, the more butter you add, the closer you'll get to that ultra-soft texture of your sheet cake dreams. Less butter results in a drier, chewier cake.

How to jazz up yellow cake mix? ›

  1. Add an extra egg yolk or two.
  2. Mix in Hershey's syrup to chocolate cakes.
  3. Swap water for full fat milk (dairy or plant based both work)
  4. Add yogurt, sour cream, fruit puree, or mayo.
  5. Add pudding mix (dry)
Jul 16, 2023

What is the difference between yellow cake mix and vanilla cake mix? ›

When you do come across a recipe that's specifically called vanilla cake and not white or yellow cake, look closely at the ingredients: If it contains only egg whites, it's a white cake, and if it contains whole eggs, it's a yellow cake.

Can you use milk instead of water in yellow cake mix? ›

Use milk instead of water

Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.

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