Let me just say it: Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are about to become your new holiday obsession! Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet, buttery square studded with colorful M&M’s, melty white chocolate chips, and cheerful pastel sprinkles – all with that irresistible soft-baked cookie bar texture. These bars are the definition of festive simplicity, using a box of cake mix to keep things quick while delivering pure homemade magic. Whether you’re planning a big Easter brunch or just want to treat your family, this recipe will make you look like a baking superstar with almost zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes these bars so legendary is how they turn simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into something so fun and festive! Every item brings something special, from lush flavor to that pop of Easter color.
- Yellow cake mix: The ultimate shortcut, providing a tender crumb and sweet, buttery flavor – but feel free to swap with white or vanilla cake mix based on what you have.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the bars rich taste and moist texture; melting helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the dough and adding structure so your bars hold their shape.
- Pastel M&M’s: Not just for looks – these bring chocolatey crunch and perfect pops of Easter color.
- White chocolate chips: Adds sweet creaminess in every bite and melts beautifully into the bars.
- Sprinkles (Easter or pastel-colored): The finishing touch for a festive, springtime appearance (kids especially love this part!).
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes these bars taste homemade, even though they’re so easy!
How to Make Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start out by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for extra-easy removal. This little step guarantees your cookie bars will come out perfectly and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until a thick, soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit stiffer than cake batter – that’s exactly what you want for dense, chewy bars.
Step 3: Fold in Easter Magic
Gently fold in the pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and those adorable pastel sprinkles. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed – every square should have bites of color and sweetness throughout!
Step 4: Press and Bake
Dump the dough into your prepared baking dish and press it out evenly with clean hands or a spatula. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. The hardest part: letting the bars cool completely in the pan before you slice (trust me, this ensures clean edges and the perfect bar texture).
How to Serve Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, top your cooled bars with a drizzle of white chocolate, a scattering of extra M&M’s, or even more festive sprinkles right before serving. Dusting with a little powdered sugar also gives them a beautiful springtime look.
Side Dishes
Pair these Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars with a big bowl of fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even some tangy lemon curd for contrast. They’re also fantastic alongside coffee, tea, or a sweet Easter brunch punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into different shapes using a cookie cutter – eggs, bunnies, or chicks if you have them! You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbon for adorable homemade gifts or add them to Easter baskets for an edible surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookie bars stay soft and chewy, so you can enjoy them all holiday long!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap squares tightly in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature to bring back their delightful texture.
Reheating
To give your Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars that just-baked flavor, pop individual pieces in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. The white chocolate gets melty and gooey again – like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can use white, vanilla, or even fun flavors like strawberry or lemon for a twist. Just keep the measurements the same for a foolproof bar every time.
Do I have to use pastel M&M’s, or can I swap for something else?
The pastel M&M’s are festive, but feel free to use regular M&M’s, chopped mini chocolate eggs, or even mini marshmallows to change things up. The base recipe is super flexible!
My bars seem underbaked in the center. Is that normal?
The center should be just set when you pull them from the oven; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. If you like firmer bars, add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time, but be careful not to overbake or they’ll lose that soft, chewy texture.
How can I make these bars gluten free?
To make gluten free Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix and double-check that your add-ins are gluten free too.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead, and actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Store them tightly covered until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, show-stopping treat this spring, Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are calling your name. With how quick they come together and how fun they are to eat, they’re bound to put a big smile on everyone’s face. Give them a try – and don’t be surprised if you start making them long after Easter has hopped away!
Print
Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations. With a base of yellow cake mix and loaded with pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, these bars are a festive addition to any dessert spread.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sprinkles (Easter or pastel-colored)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute yellow cake mix with white or vanilla cake mix.
- Add chopped mini chocolate eggs or marshmallows for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
