Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

When I think of Easter, I can't help but recall the joy of decorating eggs with my family, the scent of fresh flowers, and of course, the delightful treats that came along with it. This year, I'm excited to share my Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, a sweet, colorful dessert that's perfect for spring celebrations. These bars bring back those cherished memories, filled with laughter and joy, and are so easy to whip up that even the most chaotic of kitchens can handle them.

Whether you're hosting an Easter brunch or just looking for a fun treat to enjoy with your loved ones, these cookie bars are sure to impress. With bursts of vibrant M&M candies and melty chocolate chips, they're not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too. So, let's dive into this delicious recipe together and make some sweet memories!

Why You'll Love "Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars"

• Quick and easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes!
• Minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home.
• Fun to make with kids - they'll love mixing in the colorful M&Ms!
• Perfect for any spring celebration or gathering, bringing bright colors to your dessert table.
• Freezer-friendly! You can make a batch ahead of time and save some for later.
• Deliciously chewy with a perfect blend of chocolate and candy crunch in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) - this is the base for our cookie bars, and any brand will do, but I love using Duncan Hines for its consistent flavor.
• 2 large eggs - make sure they're at room temperature for better blending!
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil - can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a different twist.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - pure vanilla extract is best for that rich flavor!
• 1 cup Easter M&M candies - you can use regular M&Ms if Easter ones are out of season, but the colors make it so festive!
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - feel free to go dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let's get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential to make sure our cookie bars bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown.
2. While the oven is heating up, grease your baking pan with a little cooking spray or butter. A 9x13 inch pan works wonderfully for this recipe!

Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl - and I'm talking a good-sized one here - combine the yellow cake mix, the two large eggs, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Using a spatula or a hand mixer, mix everything together until it's well combined. You want a smooth batter with no lumps. Don't worry if it looks a little thick; that's just how it should be!

Add the Mix-ins

1. Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the 1 cup of Easter M&M candies and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter - we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
2. Take a moment to admire the colorful mix-ins. It's like a little celebration in your bowl. Just be careful not to overmix; we want to keep those candies intact!

Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Grab your greased baking pan and pour the batter into it. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the pan. This helps ensure that all the bars bake evenly.
2. Give it a little shake to level it out, and if you have any extra M&Ms or chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top for an extra pop of color!

Bake and Cool

1. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they turn a lovely golden brown and the edges look slightly crispy.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
3. After they've cooled a bit, slice them into bars and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Variations

• For a tropical twist, add ½ cup of shredded coconut and some chopped dried pineapple.
• Swap out the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a decadent chocolate version.
• Use peanut butter M&Ms for a nutty flavor, or try adding a swirl of peanut butter in the batter.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combo.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are best served warm, so if you can, enjoy them fresh out of the oven! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on top. They're a delightful addition to any spring gathering or afternoon snack!

Storage

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer, where they'll last for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again!

Helpful Notes

• For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Feel free to mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
• If you have a nut allergy, skip the nuts and use sunflower seeds instead for a crunch.
• These bars can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Don't hesitate to adjust the amount of M&Ms according to your taste; more candy means more fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookie bars! Once they're completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, and they'll taste just as delightful!

What can I substitute for eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or ¼ cup of mashed bananas for each egg. You can also use flaxseed meal - mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. These options will work beautifully in this recipe!

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars gluten-free, simply swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer a great variety that will work just as well. Just make sure to double-check that your mix-ins, like M&Ms and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited as I am to whip up these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars! They're not only a breeze to make but also a delightful treat that brings smiles and sweet moments to any gathering. Remember, it's all about having fun in the kitchen and making memories with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and let the joy of baking fill your home. I can't wait for you to taste the colorful, chewy goodness of these bars! Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!