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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!

Cake mix cookie bars with M&Ms on top, cut and placed on white plate.
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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.
Cake mix boxes on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • 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 toppingsChocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce, or a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
Cake mix cookie bars cut up in baking dish.
  1. PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Close up image of cake mix cookie bars on white plate.

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4.92 from 34 votes

Cake Mix Cookie Bars

By: Lil’ Luna
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!
Servings: 16
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 24 minutes
Total: 29 minutes

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

Store cooled 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 294mg, Potassium: 23mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 71IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 93mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store cake bars?

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.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.92 from 34 votes (21 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




58 Comments

  1. Kelly says:

    This was much needed after cleaning out my cupboards. I followed recipe using what I had found amongst the rubble…. white cake mix, pistachio pudding, white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. So good! It seems like there are endless variations but next time I’m going to use the same exact flavors in your recipe! Ty!!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes, you can definitely get creative with the flavors!! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Cynthia Kidney says:

    These look so good and would be perfect when you need a desert for company in a hurry 😍 😋

  3. Makayla says:

    Can I use carrot cake mix, or lemon ? And if so what pudding do you think would go with those?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, you definitely could! You could use vanilla pudding with the carrot & lemon or vanilla with lemon.

  4. Vennessa says:

    5 stars
    These look amazing!!

  5. Kiana says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe, kids love amd so do adults!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, they do! Thanks!

  6. Sonya says:

    5 stars
    This is a wonderful recipe. I made it with yellow cake mix and I happened to have a Godiva chocolate and caramel pudding mix and used that! I added in the chocolate chips and a handful of caramel baking bits that I had on hand. It was gone before I could blink an eye..lol Thank you for a fantastic and super easy recipe!!!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Sounds delicious!! Thank you for sharing that!

  7. Amber Nierman says:

    COULD I USE REGULAR SIZE M&MS?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You sure could 🙂 Enjoy!

  8. makanda says:

    This great. These would not last long at my house!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      They don’t last long at mine!

  9. Rhonda says:

    Are you sure the nutritional info is correct … calories & carbs Etc. sure looks high ??

  10. Kim rhodes says:

    5 stars
    Super easy super yummy

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you for sharing that 🙂