Are you craving a sweet treat but short on time? Do you love the convenience of a cake mix but want something a little different? Then these Cake Mix Cookie Bars are your answer! This incredibly easy recipe transforms a simple cake mix into a chewy, delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas to complement your meal or a simple dessert for a potluck, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's surprisingly simple and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) your favorite cake mix (any flavor works!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but highly recommended!) Pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite kind!)
- ½ cup butterscotch chips (optional, for extra deliciousness)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious bars later.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars.
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Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chopped nuts (if using) and chocolate chips (and butterscotch chips, if using). The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! Dried fruit, sprinkles, or even peanut butter chips would be delicious additions.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cool & Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to cut and serve.
Tips for the Best Cake Mix Cookie Bars:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use your favorite cake mix: This recipe works with any flavor of cake mix – from classic chocolate to funfetti! Experiment and find your perfect combination.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavors and adds a nice textural contrast.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting ensures they hold their shape and don't crumble.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Delight: Use a peanut butter cake mix and add peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
- Fruity Fun: Add a cup of dried cranberries or chopped cherries along with the chocolate chips.
- White Chocolate Craze: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on the cake mix used and added ingredients. For a general estimate, using a standard chocolate cake mix and including nuts and chocolate chips, each bar will contain approximately 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients you use.
These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a fantastically easy and delicious recipe perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re a delightful addition to any gathering or a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk. Enjoy!