Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of these irresistible Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars? Seriously, these are the easiest, most festive treat you’ll make all season.

With just a box of cake mix, a handful of ingredients, and those colorful Easter M&Ms, you’re minutes away from soft, chewy bars that scream holiday cheer. They’re perfect for Easter baskets, spring parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, these bars are so simple, even the kids can help make them. Let’s get baking and spread some springtime joy!

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Why You’ll Love These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Oh, where do I even start? These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are basically happiness in a 9×13 pan. Let me count the ways you’re going to adore them:

• Crazy easy: Just dump, mix, and bake. No fancy techniques or fussy steps here!
• That perfect texture: Chewy edges with a soft center that stays moist for days (if they last that long!)
• Instant Easter vibes: Those colorful M&Ms make every bite feel like a mini celebration
• Pantry-friendly: Only 6 ingredients, and you probably have most already
• Kid-magnet: Little helpers love stirring in the candies (and sneaking a few, of course)

The best part? You get all the wow factor of homemade treats without the stress. These are my secret weapon when I need a festive dessert fast!

Ingredients for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these magical Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars happen. I promise, it’s a short and sweet list – just like the bars themselves!

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This is our secret weapon! The exact size matters here.
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature works best for smooth mixing.
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil: This keeps our bars super moist and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The flavor booster! Pure vanilla makes all the difference.
• 1 cup Easter M&M candies: The more colorful, the better! Pastel ones scream Easter.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate.

See? Told you it was simple! Now, I know you might be tempted to start swapping things out, but hold that thought, we’ll get to substitutions in just a bit. First, let’s stick with these basics for guaranteed delicious results.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Listen, I’m all for sticking to the original Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars recipe (it’s perfect as-is!), but I also know life happens. Here are my favorite swaps and twists when I’m feeling creative:

• Cake mix swap: Vanilla works beautifully if you’re out of yellow. Spice cake mix? Surprisingly amazing with the chocolate!
• Oil options: Melted coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note, while melted butter gives extra richness.
• Candy craze: White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet? Yes please! Rainbow sprinkles mixed in? Instant party.
• Crunch factor: Chopped pecans or toasted coconut add wonderful texture if you’re feeling fancy.

The beauty of these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars? They’re like a blank canvas for your Easter creativity. Just promise me you’ll try the original version first!

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these trusty kitchen tools, and you’re halfway to Easter cookie bar bliss:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for thick, chewy bars
• Mixing bowl:Any decent-sized bowl will do the trick
• Spatula: For scraping every bit of that delicious dough
• Parchment paper: Lifesaver for easy removal (or grease the pan well)

That’s seriously it! No fancy gadgets needed, just the basics for foolproof baking. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Ready to whip up some Easter magic? Let’s dive in! These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are so easy, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pan of chewy, colorful goodness in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven is key to perfect bars. While that’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl and combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you’ve got a soft, thick dough.

A word of advice: don’t overmix! Just blend until everything’s incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars tough, and we want them soft and chewy.

Step 2: Add Mix-Ins

Now for the fun part, fold in those festive Easter M&Ms and chocolate chips! I like to toss them in gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t be shy with the mix-ins; they’re what make these bars so special.

Pro tip: Save a handful of M&Ms to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra pop of color.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Time to bake! Press the dough evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. I use a spatula or my hands (lightly greased) to smooth it out. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Oh, and resist the urge to cut into them right away! Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this helps them set properly and makes for cleaner slices. Patience is a virtue, I promise!

Tips for Perfect Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Want bakery-worthy results every time? Here are my tried-and-true tricks for cookie bar success:

• Press it right: Lightly grease your hands or spatula to spread the dough without sticking. Getting an even layer means perfect bars from edge to edge.
• Color explosion: Double down on Easter cheer by using pastel M&Ms and white chocolate chips for that Insta-worthy pastel palette.
• The waiting game: I know it’s tough, but letting the bars cool completely is non-negotiable for clean cuts. Warm bars crumble – cooled bars slice like a dream!

My secret? I always bake an extra batch, these disappear faster than you can say “Easter bunny”!

Serving & Storing Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Here’s the best part – these bars taste amazing fresh from the oven AND they keep beautifully! I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For a warm, just-baked feel, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds – the chocolate gets all melty and dreamy all over again. Pro tip: layer them between parchment paper in the container to keep those pretty M&Ms from sticking together. These also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months – not that I’ve ever needed to wait that long!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating cookie bars for their health benefits! But I know some of you like to keep track, so here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious bar. Remember, these numbers are just estimates – your actual counts might vary depending on which brands of cake mix or chocolate you use.

• Serving Size: 1 bar (about 2×2 inches)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g

My philosophy? Everything in moderation! These are treats meant to be enjoyed, especially during festive times like Easter. And hey, those eggs in the recipe totally count as protein, right? *wink*

FAQs About Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Simple and Delicious Desserts to Try

If you loved these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, you’ll want to keep the sweet fun going with a few more easy dessert ideas. Each one is simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat every time.

• Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cookies: Soft cookies filled with creamy cheesecake flavor and a sweet crumble on top.
• Gummy Glazed Donuts: Fun, colorful, and perfect for parties or weekend treats.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake: A creamy and fruity dessert that looks bakery-perfect.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Zesty, moist, and a lovely mix of sweet and tangy.
• Nanaimo Bars Recipe: A no-bake classic with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut.

These desserts are easy, eye-catching, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Sweet Endings Made Easy

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are proof that dessert can be both simple and delightful. With their colorful candy topping and soft, chewy texture, they’re the perfect way to brighten your Easter table or make any day feel festive. The best part? You only need a few pantry staples and one bowl, making cleanup just as quick as the prep.

I’d love to hear how your cookie bars turn out, did you add your own twist? Share your results in the comments below and inspire others to try this joyful treat. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy desserts like these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars. Join our sweet community and find your next favorite bake!

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