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 get ready to be amazed! These Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the answer to your dessert dreams. They’re incredibly easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that also satisfy your dessert cravings. This is homemade cooking at its finest - minimal effort, maximum flavor. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) your favorite cake mix (any flavor works!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite type of chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts work well)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can line it with parchment paper for easier removal – a great tip for easy cleanup!
Mixing the batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Adding the extras:
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to add other mix-ins like dried fruit, sprinkles, or even peanut butter chips!
Baking the bars:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and serving:
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes them much easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Cake Mix Cookie Bars:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked bars will be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the cake mix, the better the cookie bars will taste.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Store properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Variations:
- Brownie Bars: Use a brownie mix instead of a cake mix for a fudgier treat.
- Peanut Butter Bars: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Use white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive flavor combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on cake mix and additions)
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
These cake mix cookie bars are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals (relatively speaking!). They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a simple weeknight dessert. Enjoy this delicious and simple recipe for a delightful homemade treat that's sure to impress!