If you’re looking for a sweet, colorful, and utterly irresistible treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, you have to try this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. Bursting with festive Easter M&Ms and melty chocolate chips, these cookie bars come together in a snap thanks to a simple yellow cake mix base. The result is a delightfully soft and chewy concoction that feels like the perfect cross between a cookie and a cake, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, an Easter brunch, or just because you need a cheerful dessert, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and all familiar, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the yellow cake mix that serves as the fluffy foundation to the colorful Easter M&Ms that add bursts of fun and the chocolate chips that introduce pockets of rich sweetness, every component lends its own charm to the final bars.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This pre-made mix is your base for soft, tender bars without any fuss.
- Eggs (2): Eggs bind the ingredients and help give the bars their lovely structure.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Adds moisture and keeps these bars wonderfully soft and slightly chewy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the cake mix flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Easter M&M candies (1 cup): Brings festive color and a candy crunch that’s perfect for the season.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Provides melty chocolate pockets that make every bite indulgent.
How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make clean-up easier. Having this ready means you can dive straight into mixing without a pause.
Step 2: Mix the Base Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until just combined. This simple batter is what creates the soft and cake-like texture for your cookie bars, making it the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Fold in Candy and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the Easter M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, or you risk breaking the candies and getting too much chocolate melting prematurely. The mix-ins add pops of color and gooey, sweet pockets that everyone will love.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges start turning a gentle golden brown and the center looks set. Baking time is key to keep the bars soft rather than cakey or dry.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step helps them firm up so they slice cleanly into perfect squares. Serve and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with these bars or add a festive touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty snowy effect that’s especially charming in spring. Alternatively, drizzle melted white chocolate or colorful candy melts over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and flair.
Side Dishes
While these bars shine beautifully on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms them into an indulgent dessert. Fresh berries on the side can add a burst of brightness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Arrange the bars on a decorative platter lined with pastel-themed cupcake liners or serve them on a tiered dessert stand at your Easter table. Wrapping each square in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a delightful grab-and-go treat at parties or as gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe stays fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed will preserve their moist, chewy texture so they taste just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For a warm, melty treat, gently reheat frozen bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. Just watch carefully so they don’t dry out — a quick warm-up brings back their freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic, buttery base, you can experiment with funfetti, chocolate, or even spice cake mix to create variations that suit your taste or the occasion.
What if I don’t have Easter M&Ms? Can I substitute something else?
Of course! Any colorful candy-coated chocolates work great, or you can swap them out for chopped candy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to customize the flavor and texture.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
The standard recipe isn’t gluten-free because most cake mixes contain wheat. However, if you find a gluten-free yellow cake mix, you can substitute it and still enjoy these festive bars without compromise.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, seek out egg replacers and use a plant-based oil. Be sure the cake mix and candies you select also meet vegan standards for a fully plant-based treat.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
You’ll want to look for lightly golden edges and a set center that’s no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those rare desserts that’s both effortless and spectacular. From the burst of colorful candies to the soft, tender crumb, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and bring a smile to everyone’s face. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly these bars disappear from your table!
Print
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars combine the simplicity of a yellow cake mix with festive Easter M&M candies and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a colorful, soft, and chewy treat perfect for spring celebrations or anytime you want a fun and easy dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter M&M candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to ensure the bars won’t stick.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Then gently fold in the Easter M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Transfer the cookie dough mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread it out into the corners and create a smooth surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with only a few crumbs attached.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the dish. Once cool, slice into squares and serve as a festive, sweet treat.
Notes
- For best results, do not overbake to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor if desired.
- These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to swap Easter M&Ms with any other candy-coated chocolates or sprinkles for different occasions.
- Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
