Cake Mix Cookie Bars: Easy 4-Ingredient Dessert Everyone Loves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the kind of dessert that proves baking does not need to be complicated to be satisfying. With just four simple ingredients, this recipe delivers soft, chewy bars with rich flavor and a homemade feel. I love this recipe because it is dependable, fast, and endlessly adaptable. It is perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, bake sales, or when you simply want something sweet without measuring multiple ingredients. I first made these bars when I needed a quick dessert using pantry staples, and the results were surprisingly good. The texture is dense yet tender, similar to a classic cookie but in an easy bar form. These cookie bars are approachable for beginners and convenient for experienced bakers who want a reliable, fuss-free treat.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake mix
Cake mix is the foundation of this recipe. It provides flavor, sweetness, and structure all in one, eliminating the need for multiple dry ingredients.

Eggs
Eggs bind the dough and help create a soft, chewy texture. They also add richness to the bars.

Vegetable oil
Oil keeps the bars moist and tender. It prevents dryness and helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.

Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips add texture and bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the bars. They also make the dessert feel more indulgent.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a square or rectangular baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a thick, uniform dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it gently into the corners. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden while the center remains soft. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately twelve to sixteen cookie bars, depending on how they are sliced. Preparation takes about 5 minutes, with a baking time of 20 to 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cake mix cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days. Bars can be gently warmed in the microwave if desired.

Variations and Customizations

Different Cake Mix Flavors
Use chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or funfetti cake mix for variety.

Nutty Cookie Bars
Add chopped nuts for extra texture.

White Chocolate Version
Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

Holiday Bars
Mix in seasonal sprinkles for festive occasions.

Peanut Butter Bars
Swirl peanut butter into the dough before baking.

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix?

Yes, most standard boxed cake mixes work well.

Do I need frosting?

No, the bars are flavorful on their own.

Can I reduce the oil?

Reducing oil may affect texture and moisture.

Why is the dough thick?

The thick dough helps create chewy bars.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can be substituted.

How do I know they are done?

The edges should be set and lightly golden.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, freeze them tightly wrapped for up to two months.

What pan size works best?

A standard square or rectangular pan works well.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are sweet but balanced, depending on cake mix used.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, it is very beginner-friendly.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a simple, reliable dessert that delivers excellent results with minimal effort. With just four ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is perfect for everyday baking, quick treats, and sharing with family and friends.

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