Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Spring is in full swing, and that means it’s the perfect time to whip up something sweet and festive for the season. These Easter cake mix cookie bars are an absolute delight — soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make, look adorable on a dessert table, and are a fun twist on traditional cookies or cakes.

What makes these bars so special is how simple they are to throw together. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to bake. Using a cake mix as the base keeps them soft and flavorful, while a cookie mix adds a chewy texture that everyone will love. It’s like the best of both worlds in one bite!

These easy cake mix bars are perfect for Easter gatherings, potlucks, or even just a midweek treat. You can sprinkle pastel-colored candy, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of glaze on top to make them festive and fun for kids and adults alike. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time without worrying about freshness.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookie mix bars are approachable, fun, and sure to earn compliments. They’re a fantastic way to celebrate the season while keeping the process stress-free. Trust me — one batch and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

• Super Quick and Easy: These bars come together in no time, thanks to the cake and cookie mix combo — perfect for last-minute Easter treats.
• Soft, Chewy, and Delicious: Every bite hits the sweet spot with a soft, tender base and just enough chewiness to keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Decorating: They’re a blank canvas for festive toppings — think pastel sprinkles, candy eggs, or a drizzle of chocolate glaze.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Little helpers will love mixing and sprinkling, making this a fun kitchen activity for the whole family.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake them in advance, and they keep beautifully for several days — ideal for parties or gifting.

Ingredient List

For the Bars:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 box (13 oz) chocolate chip cookie mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup pastel candy-coated chocolate eggs (for topping)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

• I always use real butter for this — it adds so much flavor and keeps the bars nice and soft.
• Don’t skip the vanilla extract! It makes a subtle but important difference in sweetness and depth.
• For a festive Easter touch, the pastel candy eggs are a must — they make the bars look adorable and fun to serve.
• If you like extra chocolate, mini chocolate chips are a simple addition that everyone will love.
• Using a boxed cake mix doesn’t mean cutting corners — it’s the secret to these bars being soft, moist, and effortless to make.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan – Perfect size for these bars; I love using a nonstick one for easy cleanup.
• Mixing bowls – One for the cake mix, one for the cookie mix; I like glass bowls because they’re easy to see into.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing everything together; a silicone spatula works great too.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for getting the right balance of ingredients.
• Whisk – Helpful for blending the glaze smoothly.
• Parchment paper (optional) – Makes lifting the bars out of the pan a breeze.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
• Pro Tip: Lining with parchment makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked.

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2. Mix the Cake and Cookie Bases

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter. Stir until fully blended.
• Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cake mix and stir until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, mix the cookie mix with the remaining egg (1) and any additional butter or water called for on the cookie mix box.

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3. Layer the Mixtures in the Pan

• Pour the cake mix into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Dollop spoonfuls of the cookie mix over the cake layer.
• Pro Tip: Don’t worry about blending them completely — a marbled effect looks beautiful and gives each bite a mix of textures.

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4. Add Mix-Ins and Bake

• Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top if using.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine).
• Pro Tip: Start checking at 25 minutes — overbaking will make the bars dry.

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5. Cool and Add Toppings

• Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle pastel candy-coated eggs over the top while slightly warm so they stick lightly.
• If using glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the bars once cooled.
• Pro Tip: For a smoother glaze, whisk continuously and add milk slowly until it reaches a drizzling consistency.

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6. Slice and Serve

• Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges.
• Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
• Serve on a festive plate and enjoy with family or friends.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Measure Carefully: Too much flour or mix can make the bars dense — use level measuring cups for accuracy.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the texture tough.
• Watch the Bake Time: Start checking a few minutes before the timer — every oven is a little different.
• Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely (or mostly) so they hold their shape when sliced.
• Customize Your Toppings: Sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or pastel candies all work — have fun with it!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter Substitute: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Cake Mix Flavor Swap: Try funfetti or chocolate cake mix for a different flavor twist.
• Cookie Mix Options: Peanut butter or snickerdoodle cookie mixes add a unique taste and texture.
• Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows can make each batch special.
• Glaze Variations: Swap milk for orange juice or add a touch of almond extract for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these Easter cake mix cookie bars with a tall glass of cold milk — it balances the sweetness perfectly!
• They’re also great on a dessert platter alongside pastel macarons and fruit for a festive Easter spread.
• For a fun brunch twist, serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — instant crowd-pleaser.
• These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• Cut into smaller squares and pack them in little treat bags for Easter baskets — kids love them!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that soft, fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Yellow, funfetti, or even chocolate cake mix works — each flavor gives the bars a slightly different twist.

Do I have to use a cookie mix?

Not necessarily. You can experiment with adding homemade cookie dough instead, but the cookie mix keeps it super easy and consistent.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They actually taste great when made a day in advance, and you can store them in an airtight container or freeze for longer.

How do I make the glaze without it being too runny?

Whisk slowly and add milk a little at a time until it reaches a pourable but not watery consistency.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cookie mix if needed.

How should I serve these for an Easter gathering?

Cut into squares, arrange on a festive platter, and add pastel candies or sprinkles on top for a cheerful presentation.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out — I love hearing your tweaks, tips, and Easter baking stories!