Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as cheerful as it is scrumptious, you have to try this Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars come together quickly using just a few pantry staples, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—the blend of moist vanilla cake batter studded with colorful sprinkles and optional chocolate chips creates a fun, festive, and utterly irresistible dessert perfect for spring celebrations or anytime you want a cheerful sweet bite. They bake into thick, soft bars that are perfect for sharing and bring smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these bars is a breeze because the ingredients list is refreshingly short yet thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each item plays a role in turning this recipe into your new favorite Easter treat.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of the bars, it provides moistness and that classic sweet vanilla flavor that everyone loves.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together, giving structure and richness to the bars.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture, keeping the bars soft and tender without weighing them down.
- Rainbow sprinkles: These bring bursts of color and fun, giving the bars their festive Easter vibe.
- Chocolate chips (optional): If you’re craving a little extra indulgence, chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of delight throughout the bars.
How to Make Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly—this ensures the bars release easily and keeps the edges from sticking to the pan during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a spatula or mixer to blend until the batter is smooth and consistent. This step is quick but crucial to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture.
Step 3: Add the Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles—the more colorful the better! If you’re adding chocolate chips, toss those in now as well. This step adds the festive look as well as delightful bursts of texture.
Step 4: Spread Batter in Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure every bar will bake uniformly with that delightful golden edge and soft center.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges start to turn a lovely golden brown and the center looks set. Be sure not to overbake, as you want a soft, tender crumb—not a dry bar.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them firm up enough to cut into neat squares without crumbling. Once cooled, slice into 12 generous servings and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles and chocolate chips already make these bars festive, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate glaze to amp up the elegance and flavor. Fresh berries on the side make a lovely fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness. For a more playful Easter spread, serve alongside pastel-colored macarons or a fresh fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter or stack them in a tiered tray for a stunning centerpiece. Wrapping individual bars in colorful parchment paper makes them adorable party favors for guest takeaways as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their softness and delightful chew without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save bars for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy bars warm, microwave each piece for 10 to 15 seconds. The residual heat will revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness, melting any chocolate chips into little pockets of delight.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, chocolate or funfetti cake mixes also work wonderfully and add a new dimension of flavor and color to the bars.
Do I have to add chocolate chips?
Not at all—chocolate chips are optional. If you prefer, you can omit them or swap in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
How do I make sure the bars don’t come out dry?
Keep an eye on the baking time and avoid overbaking. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly soft to retain moisture.
Can I use non-rainbow sprinkles?
Yes, any kind of sprinkles you have on hand will add a festive touch. If you want a seasonal twist, pastel or themed sprinkles work especially well for Easter.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Typically, standard cake mixes contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free vanilla cake mixes to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
Give this Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite. It’s a perfect blend of ease, fun, and flavor that brings a smile to all ages. Whether it’s for a festive brunch, an after-school snack, or just a sweet moment to brighten your day, these colorful bars deliver joy in every bite. Baking has never been so simple or rewarding!
Print
Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and colorful treat, perfect for spring celebrations and family gatherings. Made with a simple vanilla cake mix base, combined with eggs, vegetable oil, and vibrant rainbow sprinkles, these bars bake up soft, tender, and bursting with festive fun. Optional chocolate chips add a sweet surprise. Ready in just 35 minutes, they are an effortless way to add a cheerful dessert to your Easter table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Add-ins
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture until smooth and well incorporated, forming your cookie bar batter.
- Add Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and chocolate chips (if using) evenly into the batter to distribute the festive colors and chocolatey bits.
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness and baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Chocolate chips are optional; feel free to omit if desired or substitute with white chocolate chips for variation.
- Be careful not to overbake; bars are best when tender and moist.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To make the bars more festive, try adding chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
