Description of this recipe Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a soft, chewy texture with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth topping. These bars combine the simplicity of a cake mix with the rich indulgence of cream cheese and chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a simple weeknight treat, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
You will love this recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Using a cake mix as the base cuts down on prep time, making it a great option for busy bakers. Second, the combination of flavors and textures is irresistible. The soft, slightly dense cake base complements the creamy, tangy cream cheese topping, while the chocolate chips and coconut flakes add bursts of sweetness and chewiness. Finally, these bars are versatile. You can customize them with different cake mix flavors, toppings, and mix-ins to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
1 box classic yellow cake mix 1/3 cup canola oil 1 large egg 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature (1½ packs) 1 cup chocolate chip morsels, divided 1 cup coconut flakes
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). This temperature ensures that the bars bake evenly without burning the edges while allowing the center to cook through perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spray the parchment paper with baking spray. The parchment paper ensures that the bars lift out easily, and the baking spray prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Make the Cake Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, canola oil, and egg. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough base. The mixture will be thick.
Step 4: Spread the Cake Mix: Press the cake mix mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure a uniform layer. This forms the foundation of the cookie bars and needs to be as consistent as possible to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for a smooth topping. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will be difficult to beat and may leave lumps in the mixture.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips to Cream Cheese: Add 2/3 cup of the chocolate chip morsels to the cream cheese and mix with a spatula until evenly distributed. This adds a layer of chocolatey goodness that complements the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Step 7: Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix base in the baking pan. A spatula works best for this, ensuring that the entire surface is covered uniformly.
Step 8: Add Remaining Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of chocolate chip morsels over the cream cheese layer, followed by the coconut flakes. Distribute them evenly for a visually appealing and flavorful topping.
Step 9: Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the coconut flakes are golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent burning. The coconut flakes should be toasted, and the cream cheese layer should be set.
Step 10: Cool and Cut: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Cake Mix Cookie Bars can be served warm or cold. They are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes.
Tips:
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese. Do not overmix the cake mix base. Customize the bars with different cake mix flavors and toppings. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: Calories: Approximately 250-300 per bar (depending on size and ingredients) Protein: 3-4 grams per bar Sodium: 150-200 mg per bar
Conclusion
Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a simple yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy base, creamy topping, and customizable options, they are sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are easy enough to make and delicious enough to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make these cookie bars a true treat.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Question 1: Can I use a different type of cake mix? Answer: Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any flavor of cake mix you like, such as chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti. Just keep in mind that different flavors may complement certain toppings better than others.
Question 2: What if I don’t have canola oil? Can I substitute it with something else? Answer: Yes, you can substitute canola oil with other neutral-flavored oils like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. You can also use melted butter for a richer flavor, but be aware that it might slightly alter the texture of the base.
Question 3: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cream cheese topping? Answer: Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cream cheese topping for added crunch. Other great mix-ins include mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Question 4: How do I prevent the coconut flakes from burning in the oven? Answer: To prevent the coconut flakes from burning, keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice the coconut flakes are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking pan with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
Question 5: How long do these cookie bars last, and what’s the best way to store them? Answer: These cookie bars will last for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
