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Cake Mix Cookie bars use a cake and pudding mix to keep it quick and simple for loads of yummy flavor in only 30 minutes!
The Easiest Cake Bars
We are HUGE fans of cakes and bars so of course we also love cake bars!!
And what could be better than cookie bars made with a cake mix?! These cake mix cookie bars also use a pudding mix to add flavor and contribute to the gooey texture. We then mixed in BOTH chocolate chips and M&Ms making them even better!!!
Using a cake mix in a dessert is one of our favorite shortcuts in a recipe, and we love that this one is ready to eat hot from the oven in only 30 minutes!
They are quick and easy to make and even easier to devour! For more cookie goodness try our classic Cookie Bars.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- When you need a quick treat. You’ll enjoy every bite of this cookie bar recipe ready in only 30 minutes!!
- Our favorite shortcuts. This easy dessert recipe uses both a cake mix and a pudding mix for an easy shortcut with loads of flavor!
- Feeds a crowd!!! This recipe makes a pan-full – around 16 servings! They are great for sharing.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 24 minutes
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix – We used Betty Crocker, but other brands and flavors will work. Use only the cake mix powder in this recipe, do not add ingredients listed on the box.
- 1 (3.4-ounce) small box of Instant White chocolate – Or use vanilla pudding mix, must be INSTANT pudding. Use only the pudding powder in this recipe, do not add ingredients listed on the box.
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – or canola oil
- 2 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 cup mini M&Ms, divided
- ½ cup chocolate chips – Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips all work. You can also use white chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips.
- optional toppings – Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce, or a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
How to Make Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- BATTER. In a large bowl combine 1 box cake mix powder, 1 box pudding powder, ¼ cup water, ¾ cup oil, and 2 eggs using a mixer. Mix until well combined. Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips and ½ cup mini M&Ms.
- BAKE. Pour the cookie dough into a greased 9×13 pan (a metal pan works best). Sprinkle with remaining M&Ms. Bake for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
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Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix, I used Betty Crocker
- 1 (3.4-ounce) small box Insant White chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mini M&Ms, divided
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl combine cake mix, pudding, water, oil, and eggs using a mixer.
- Mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and ½ cup mini M&Ms.
- Pour into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Sprinkle with remaining M&Ms.
- Bake for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store cooled cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days or wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe adapted from Parent Pretty.
Was thinking about using a bit larger pan, that way the bars would be thinner. Have you tried that?
I haven’t tried that, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work? If you try it, let me know what size pan you used and how they turned out:) I’d love to know!
I got the Duncan Hines cake mix. Do I still use the recipe you provided or do I follow the directions on the box? Thx!
That shouldn’t change anything. Just follow the recipe, using that:) Let me know if you try that!
Can I use any flavor of cake mixes. I have so many cake mixes to use up.
I’m sure you could!! I haven’t tried that, but I’m sure they’d taste fine. If you do that, let me know what you tried!! Thanks!
I am so excited to hear the surprise did you have fun playing with your dad and Micheal I hope so
Made this today to.take to my husband’s work Easter Party. Although they taste delicious they look nothing like yours. 🙁 Mine rose like a cake would rather than stay compacted like a “bar” should. I used a 9×13 metal pan.
Hoping to make this tomorrow !!! Do u make the pudding or just put in the pudding mix/powder ????
Just the mix. 😉
Ok, I made these tonight and they were a hit! One thing tho…they did not look like yours. I baked them for 26 minutes and the edges were golden, but the middle was jiggly and it looked just like a baked cake!
I like my cookies gooey, so I took a chance. I let them cool for about an hour and they finally collapsed but very wet in the middle. Like I said, I really like that and so did the kids. I think you could put m&ms on mashed turnips and kids would at least try them!
Don’t know what I would change to get them to bake a little more evenly??
Worth a try (so easy people!)
Hi Chalene! So glad you liked the bars, but I’m sorry they collapsed in the middle. The only thing I would suggest is baking them 3-5 minutes longer. What size of pan did you use?
Maybe collapsed is the wrong word. Flattened out may be better? I used a 9×13 glass pan. When I checked on it it looked like a cake. Risen to the top of the pan. Yours looked very flat like abat cookie should. I used a store brand cake mix which could’ve been the culprit? Màybe I shouldn’t add any water next time. I’ll try again soon and let you know!
Looks so yummy! These would not last long at my house!
Lily, I love your post and plan on making these really soon!
Thank you Lily for the nice recipe. Have fun this afternoon.