Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Description of this recipe: These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for celebrating the spring season. They feature a soft, chewy base made from a simple cake mix batter, studded with colorful Easter M&M’s and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. The bars are incredibly moist and packed with flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for their simplicity and irresistible taste. They require minimal effort and ingredients, making them a fantastic option for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen. The vibrant colors of the Easter M&M’s bring a festive touch to any gathering, and the combination of cake-like texture with cookie bar convenience is simply divine. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to experiment with different cake mix flavors and add-ins to create your own unique twist. They are quick to make, even faster to disappear, and leave everyone wanting more.
Introduction
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! But who says you have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special? These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and utterly scrumptious dessert that everyone will love. Using a simple cake mix as the base, these bars come together in a snap, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. The combination of the cake-like texture, the burst of color from the Easter M&M’s, and the richness of the chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these effortless yet irresistible Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix, (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter M&M candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden-brown color. Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by lightly coating it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make it easier to remove them once they’re cooled. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, which will allow you to lift the bars out of the pan easily.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookie bars. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick. If you notice any lumps, gently whisk them out.
Step 3: Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the Easter M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be sure to distribute the candies and chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for a uniform taste in every bite. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can cause the candies to crack and the chocolate chips to melt slightly. The goal is to incorporate the add-ins without compromising their shape and texture.
Step 4: Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the dish. Ensure that the batter reaches all corners of the dish, creating a uniform thickness for even baking. If desired, you can reserve a few extra M&M’s and chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking for a more visually appealing finished product.
Step 5: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on the bars while they are baking, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the dish before slicing. This is crucial for ensuring that the bars set properly and are easy to cut into clean squares.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Recipe: Beginner
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars as a sweet treat for Easter brunch or dessert.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- Cut the bars into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for a festive party snack.
- Package the bars in cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon for a homemade Easter gift.
- Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a refreshing iced tea.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, funfetti, or strawberry, to create your own unique variations.
- Add other mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles, for added texture and flavor.
- If you want a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Allow the bars to thaw completely before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per bar – approximate)
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 24 mg
Conclusion
These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a testament to the fact that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a festive and satisfying treat that will be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for Easter celebrations and beyond. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of these easy-to-make cookie bars. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different size pan for these bars?
- A: While the recipe is optimized for a 9×13 inch pan, you can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars or a larger sheet pan for thinner bars. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Thicker bars will require a longer baking time, while thinner bars will bake more quickly. Keep a close eye on the bars to ensure that they don’t overbake or underbake.
Q2: Can I substitute the vegetable oil for another type of oil?
- A: Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil for another type of oil with a neutral flavor, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil. Melted butter can also be used for a richer flavor, but be sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter. Avoid using strongly flavored oils, such as olive oil, as they can overpower the taste of the bars.
Q3: What if I don’t have Easter M&M’s?
- A: If you don’t have Easter M&M’s, you can use regular M&M’s or any other type of candy-coated chocolate candies. You can also use other colorful candies, such as sprinkles, chopped peanut butter cups, or mini marshmallows. Get creative and experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Q4: How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
- A: To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, be sure to grease the pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will allow you to lift the bars out of the pan easily once they’re cooled. Be sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing, as this will also help prevent them from sticking.
Q5: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Allow the bars to thaw completely before serving.
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter M&M candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking and prevent the bars from being undercooked in the middle or overcooked on the edges. While the oven is preheating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease the pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled, resulting in clean, even slices. Ensure the cooking spray or parchment paper covers the entire bottom and sides of the pan.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) on medium speed to blend the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no large lumps of cake mix remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins
- Once the base mixture is smooth, gently fold in the Easter M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Folding is a technique that involves gently incorporating the ingredients without deflating the batter. Use a spatula to carefully combine the candies and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. This step adds texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the cookie bars. You can substitute other types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. Similarly, you can use other seasonal candies or nuts in place of the M&M’s.
- Step 4: Spread into Pan
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. The dough will be thick, so you may need to apply gentle pressure to ensure it reaches all corners. Try to create a smooth, even surface to ensure the bars bake uniformly. If desired, you can sprinkle a few extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top of the dough for added visual appeal.
- Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the bars periodically. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for achieving the best texture and preventing them from crumbling when sliced. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Resist the temptation to cut into them while they’re still warm!
