Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Easter cake mix cookie bars transform a simple boxed mix into a festive spring treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings. These soft, chewy bars combine the convenience of cake mix with the irresistible texture of cookies, all studded with colorful spring M&Ms and rich chocolate chips. With minimal prep time and basic ingredients, they allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with loved ones.

I first made these bars when hosting Easter dinner and needed a dessert that wouldn't take hours of preparation. The combination of convenience and the delighted reactions from both kids and adults convinced me that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most appreciated. These bars have since become a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Forms the base of the bars with perfect sweetness
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cookie-like texture
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Creates moisture and tender texture without adding flavor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile
• 1 cup Easter/spring-colored M&Ms: Add festive colors and chocolate crunch
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Contribute melty chocolate pockets throughout

Preparation Method

Prepare Your Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the dough. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal and cutting later.

Mix The Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and no dry streaks remain. The dough will be quite thick and sticky - this is exactly what you want for chewy cookie bars. For best results, mix until just combined without overmixing, which could make the bars tough.

Add The Mix-Ins:

Gently fold in the Easter-colored M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Reserve a small handful (about 2 tablespoons each) of M&Ms and chocolate chips to sprinkle on top. This not only makes the bars more visually appealing but also ensures you get candy and chocolate in every bite.

Bake To Perfection:

Using a spatula or your fingers (slightly moistened to prevent sticking), press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as these bars should remain chewy.

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My grandmother always said that patience is a baker's secret ingredient. When I first made these bars, I was tempted to cut them while still warm, resulting in a messy (though delicious) dessert. Taking the time to let them cool completely made all the difference in presentation, creating neat squares with perfect texture. Sometimes the hardest part of baking is the waiting!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at room temperature on a decorative platter for Easter gatherings.
• Create a spring dessert board with these bars as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh strawberries and chocolate eggs.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
• Cut into smaller pieces and arrange in Easter baskets as edible gifts.

Storage Wisdom

• Store completely cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
• For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Creative Variations

• Funfetti Bars: Use funfetti cake mix instead of yellow for extra colorful sprinkles throughout.
• Chocolate Lovers: Substitute chocolate cake mix and use peanut butter M&Ms for a rich variation.
• Strawberry Dream: Use strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chips for a spring-inspired flavor.
• S'mores Bars: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces to the mix for a campfire-inspired treat.

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I've brought these Easter cake mix cookie bars to countless spring gatherings, and they're always among the first desserts to disappear. What makes them truly special is their ability to bring joy with minimal effort—allowing you to create memorable treats while still having time to enjoy the holiday with those who matter most. The bright colors and familiar flavors appeal to both children and adults, making them the perfect addition to any Easter celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix creates a classic cookie bar, you can experiment with chocolate, funfetti, strawberry, or lemon cake mix to create different variations. The cooking time remains the same regardless of flavor.

→ How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. The center may look slightly underdone but will set as it cools. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

→ Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of Easter M&Ms?

You can use any seasonal M&Ms or color theme that matches your occasion. Regular M&Ms, holiday colors, or even chopped candy bars work well. For a non-holiday version, use rainbow M&Ms or additional chocolate chips.

→ Why do my cookie bars seem too soft in the middle?

The bars will continue to set as they cool. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before cutting. If they're still too soft after cooling, they may need a few more minutes in the oven next time. Every oven is different, so cooking times can vary slightly.