Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

If you’re in the mood for a fun, festive, and super easy treat to celebrate Easter, these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are just what you need! They’re colorful, sweet, and have that perfect cookie-bar texture that’s soft and chewy with just a hint of crunch. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering, Easter brunch, or just to indulge in some holiday fun, these cookie bars will be a hit. The best part? They come together so quickly and require minimal effort, but they look and taste like a special treat straight from the bakery.

With a cake mix as the base, these bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert—no complicated ingredients or techniques required! Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly sweet, festive bars that everyone will love. Oh, and the addition of pastel-colored M&Ms gives them that extra pop of Easter joy. Trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Simple and Quick

No need to spend hours in the kitchen—these cookie bars are as easy as mixing together a few ingredients, spreading the batter into a pan, and baking. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days or last-minute celebrations!

Festive and Fun

The bright pastel M&Ms and vibrant sprinkles make these bars so much fun to make and eat. They’re a great way to bring a little cheer to your Easter festivities. You’ll love how pretty they look when they’re all finished.

Soft and Chewy

These cookie bars are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. The cake mix gives them a rich flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

Versatile

You can customize these cookie bars to suit any occasion. Switch up the mix-ins, top them with Easter-themed candies, or make them a year-round treat by using different colors or themes.

Kid-Friendly

The easy prep and colorful appearance make these a great choice for baking with kids. They’ll love helping mix and decorate, and, of course, they’ll love the delicious results!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars:

• Cake Mix: The base of this recipe. A classic yellow or white cake mix works perfectly for the light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: To bind everything together and create that chewy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the bars, keeping them soft and delicious.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• M&Ms (Pastel-colored): The perfect way to bring some fun, color, and crunch to your bars.
• Sprinkles (Optional): To make these bars even more festive, add some colorful sprinkles on top before baking.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to whip up these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars! Let’s go through the easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will make sure your cookie bars come out easily and don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until everything is fully combined and you have a smooth, thick batter. Add in the vanilla extract and mix again.

Step 3: Add the Fun

Gently fold in most of the pastel M&Ms (save a handful to sprinkle on top for decoration). You can also add a few sprinkles for some extra flair!

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches all corners. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms and sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles, and they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 1.5mg
Potassium: 80mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a treat on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Top each square with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Pack Them for an Easter Picnic: These cookie bars are portable and perfect for an Easter picnic. They won’t crumble or get messy, making them great for on-the-go snacking.
• Serve as a Breakfast Treat: Want to add a fun twist to your Easter morning? These bars make a delicious (and festive) breakfast, especially with a cup of coffee or milk.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make a sweet mid-afternoon treat when you need a little pick-me-up.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Colors: If you’re making these for another occasion, simply swap the pastel M&Ms for colors that match the theme—red and green for Christmas, or blue and white for a baby shower!
• Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients for the best texture.
• Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for a sweet treat whenever you’re in the mood.
• Use Different Cake Mixes: Try different flavored cake mixes (like strawberry or chocolate) for a fun twist on the classic!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookie bars without eggs?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce.

Q2: Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms for any Easter candy you like—jelly beans, chocolate chips, or even chopped-up chocolate bunnies.

Q3: How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
A3: The cookie bars should be golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Q4: Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can make them a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the cookie bars?
A5: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch to the bars. Just fold them in along with the M&Ms.

Q6: Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix for this recipe to make it suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.

Q7: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A7: Yes! Just wrap the cooled cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I make these cookie bars in a smaller pan?
A8: Sure! If you use a smaller pan, your cookie bars will be thicker, so you may need to adjust the baking time by adding a few extra minutes.

Q9: Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
A9: Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil if you prefer. It will add a subtle coconut flavor to the bars.

Q10: Can I use homemade cake mix?
A10: Absolutely! If you prefer to use a homemade cake mix, go ahead! Just make sure the proportions are similar to a standard cake mix for the best results.

Conclusion

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the easiest way to bring some festive fun to your celebration. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, colorful treat that’s perfect for Easter or any time of year. So, grab that cake mix, add a handful of M&Ms, and get baking—these cookie bars are sure to brighten up your day!

Print