Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make dessert that bursts with color and flavor, this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, chewy cookie bars packed with pastel-colored M&M’s, sweet white chocolate chips, and springy sprinkles, all coming together using a simple cake mix base. These bars are perfect for sharing at any Easter gathering or brightening up your spring dessert table, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike with each delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and seasonal charm. From the moist cake mix to the melty white chocolate chips and colorful candies, every element works harmoniously for a truly satisfying treat.
- Vanilla or yellow cake mix: The base that lends a soft, tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps create a chewy, golden edge.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together while contributing to texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor for a warm, inviting aroma.
- Pastel-colored M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates (1 cup): Provide bursts of chocolate and vibrant spring colors.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup): Offer creamy sweetness that melts into every bite.
- Sprinkles (¼ cup, Easter or spring-themed): Add festive flair and a fun crunch on top.
How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookie bars won’t stick and come out smoothly when it’s time to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms—this step is crucial for getting that chewy, soft texture that makes these bars so irresistible.
Step 3: Fold in the Candy and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the pastel-colored M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, but keep a small handful aside. This way, you can sprinkle some over the top later for extra color and festive appeal.
Step 4: Press Dough Into the Pan
Evenly press the dough into your prepared baking pan. Be gentle but thorough, ensuring an even thickness so the bars cook uniformly. Then, sprinkle the reserved candies and sprinkles on top, pressing them lightly into the surface to keep them from falling off after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown and the center looks set. It’s important not to overbake, so the bars stay soft and chewy rather than dry and crumbly.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting
After removing from the oven, allow the bars to cool fully in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes cutting neat, pretty squares a breeze.
How to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra pastel candies or fresh edible flowers on top just before serving for an extra pop of color and springtime cheer. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a whimsical, snowy effect perfect for Easter brunch tables.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A fresh fruit salad with juicy berries or citrus can also complement the sweetness and offer refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these bars on a colorful Easter-themed platter or stack them in a rustic tiered tray for a charming dessert buffet. Wrapping individual squares in clear cellophane tied with pastel ribbons makes delightful grab-and-go treats for party guests or family members.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe fresh for up to four days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy while maintaining all the flavors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When properly stored, they’ll last up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed bars warm, microwave them for about 10 to 15 seconds, or heat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This will bring back that freshly-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla or yellow cake mix works best for its neutral sweetness, you can experiment with white or even funfetti cake mix to add extra color and flavor to your bars.
What if I don’t have pastel M&M’s?
You can substitute any candy-coated chocolates or even chocolate chips in vibrant colors. For a healthier twist, try dried fruits or nuts to add texture and flavor variations.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Look for a gluten-free cake mix option and ensure any candies and chocolate chips you use are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
Is it necessary to melt the butter?
Melting the butter helps mix it evenly into the cake mix and creates a moisture-rich, chewy texture. Cold or softened butter won’t yield the same wonderful consistency.
How do I get the bars extra chewy?
If you love a chewier bar, try adding a quarter cup of brown sugar to the dough. This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that boosts chewiness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those simple yet spectacular desserts that brighten any celebration with ease and colorful charm. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these bars bring joy with every bite and are sure to become a new seasonal favorite. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how festive and delicious cake mix cookie bars can be!
Print
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make dessert perfect for spring celebrations. Made with a vanilla or yellow cake mix and loaded with pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, these bars offer a delightful combination of chewy texture and sweet flavors. With minimal prep and baking time, they are an ideal treat for Easter gatherings or any occasion that calls for a fun and colorful sweet bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup sprinkles (Easter or spring-themed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla or yellow cake mix with the melted unsalted butter, two large eggs, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until a thick and uniform dough forms.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in one cup of pastel-colored M&M’s, half a cup of white chocolate chips, and a quarter cup of Easter or spring-themed sprinkles, reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top later.
- Press into Pan: Evenly press the thick dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface. Then sprinkle the reserved candies and sprinkles on top, pressing them lightly into the dough so they adhere.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is set but not overbaked, ensuring the bars remain chewy and moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares. This ensures the bars hold their shape when sliced.
Notes
- You can substitute the white chocolate chips with milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your flavor preference.
- For an even chewier texture, add ¼ cup of brown sugar to the dough when mixing.
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days without losing freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
