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    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Desserts > Cookies

    Cake Bars

    Published: Aug 10, 2023 · Modified: Aug 10, 2023 by Melissa · Leave a Comment

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    pin that reads cake bars recipe with a side view of chocolate cake bars stacked on a white plate
    pin that reads cake bars recipe with square pieces of M&M multicolored cake bars on parchment
    Pin that reads Homemade Cake Bars with images of the cut square chocolate and vanilla cake bars
    pin that reads Cake Bars with chocolate and vanilla cake bars cut into squares

    Cake Bars are the perfect go-to when you want something sweet, simple, and utterly irresistible. With just a few basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time.

    The beauty of cake bars is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with various cake mix flavors and add-ins to create endless combinations of taste and texture. Lemon cake mix with blueberries, red velvet with white chocolate chips, or even carrot cake with chopped walnuts – the possibilities are endless!

    Cake bars made with a chocolate box of cake mix.

    Cake Bars

    Cake bars offer all the deliciousness of a cake but in a more convenient and portable form. They're easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and can be cut into individual servings, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

    With so many cake mix flavors available, there's something for everyone's taste. From classic chocolate and vanilla to decadent red velvet or zesty lemon, cake bars offer a variety of flavor options.

    Cake bars that are both chocolate and vanilla.

    Ingredients

    • Box of cake mix 
    • Butter 
    • Eggs
    • 1 cup Add-ins of your choice:  candy pieces, chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, etc.

    Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.

    Recipe Instructions

    1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. Optionally, use parchment paper for easy removal.
    2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until well blended. This forms the base of your cake bars.
    3. Add Your Flair: Stir in your favorite candies, chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles (about 1 cup) to the batter. Get creative with flavors!
    4. Spread and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until slightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
    5. Cool and Unmold: Let the cake bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out easily.
    6. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake bars into squares or rectangles, and indulge in these delectable treats!
    Stack of cake bars with glasses of milk in the background.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are cake bars?

    Cake bars are a delightful dessert made by baking cake batter in a rectangular or square pan, resulting in a thick, chewy, and portable treat that can be easily sliced into individual servings.

    Can I use any cake mix flavor?

    Cake bars can be made with any cake mix flavor you prefer, such as chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, lemon, or even carrot cake. The choice of flavor depends on your personal taste and the occasion.

    How do I ensure my cake bars are moist and not dry?

    To keep your cake bars moist, avoid overbaking them. Check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time using a toothpick – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Overbaking can result in dry and crumbly bars.

    Top view of cake bars made with a yellow cake mix.

    More Recipes

    • Birthday Cupcakes
    • Red White and Blue Sugar Cookie Bars
    • Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
    • S'mores Cookie Bars
    • 7 Layer Bars

    If you’ve tried this Cake Bars recipe or any other recipe on Bless This Mess, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

    📖 Recipe

    cake bars that are both chocolate and vanilla
    Print Recipe
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    Cake Bars

    Cake bars are delicious, chewy treats made with a box cake mix, baked and then sprinkled with various add-ins for added flavor and texture.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time25 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Cookies, Dessert
    Servings: 20
    Calories: 190kcal
    Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess

    Ingredients

    • 1 box of cake mix your preferred flavor
    • ½ cup butter salted or unsalted, melted
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup Add-ins of your choice candy pieces, chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, etc.

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the correct temperature for an even bake.
    • Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan. You can use a non-stick cooking spray or additional butter for this. Lining the pan with parchment paper is also recommended. Ensure the parchment extends over the edge of the pan - this overhang will help you lift the baked cake bars out easily once they are done.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to ensure that the ingredients are well blended. This mixture forms the base of your cake bars.
    • Stir in your chosen add-ins to the batter. Be creative and use your favorite candies or flavors. The amount to use will depend on your preference, but a good starting point is 1 cup.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
    • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Please note that oven temperatures can vary, so it's a good idea to check the cake bars a little before the recommended baking time. They should be slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the bars should come out clean.
    • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for the cake bars to hold their shape.
    • After the cake bars have completely cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift them out of the pan.
    • Cut the large cake bar into smaller squares or rectangles as per your preference.

    Notes

    • The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. We have tried it with a white cake mix with M&Ms and sprinkles for a fun, festive version. For a richer, more indulgent treat, we used chocolate cake mix, peanut butter chips, peanuts, and Reese's Pieces.
    • Be aware that different add-ins may alter the baking time slightly. Always check your bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent over-baking.
    • Store your cake bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for about a week, or refrigerated to extend their shelf-life.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 166IU | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
    Pin that reads Homemade Cake Bars with images of the cut square chocolate and vanilla cake bars

    Cake bars offer a simple and scrumptious way to enjoy the flavors of a cake in a convenient and shareable form, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. They are really so simple to make and taste delicious.

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    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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