Introduction

Easter is all about joy, family, and, of course, sweet treats. If you’re looking for an easy and festive dessert that comes together in minutes, these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect choice. They’re soft, chewy, packed with pastel-colored M&Ms, and topped with sprinkles—basically, everything you need for a fun holiday treat.

The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and one bowl. That means less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for an Easter brunch, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cookie bars will be a hit. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, so you can swap out ingredients to fit your taste.

Let’s dive in and make this effortless yet delightful dessert that’s bound to become a new Easter tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars check all the boxes for the perfect spring dessert. They’re colorful, chewy, and ridiculously easy to make. If you’re not a fan of complicated baking, this is the recipe for you.

Key Benefits

• No-fuss baking – Using a cake mix means you skip measuring multiple dry ingredients, saving time and effort.
• Soft and chewy – These bars have the perfect texture—firm enough to hold their shape, but soft when you take a bite.
• Festive and fun – The pastel M&Ms and sprinkles give these bars a playful Easter look.
• Customizable – Try different cake mix flavors, swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, or add your favorite mix-ins.
• Great for any occasion – Whether you’re making these for a holiday celebration, a bake sale, or a simple weekend treat, they fit every occasion.

Perfect For

• Easter brunch or dinner – These bars add a pop of color to your holiday dessert spread.
• Kid-friendly baking – Little hands will love helping with mixing and adding sprinkles.
• Last-minute treats – Since they come together in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect when you need a quick dessert.
• Gifting – Wrap them up in a cute box or bag, and they make a delightful Easter gift.

Ingredients for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

You only need a few simple pantry staples to make these soft, chewy cookie bars.

Core Ingredients

• Cake Mix – A 15.25 oz box of vanilla or yellow cake mix is the base of this recipe. It gives the bars their signature chewy texture.
• Butter – Melted butter adds richness and keeps the bars soft.
• Eggs – These help bind the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor.
• M&Ms – Pastel-colored Easter M&Ms make these bars festive and add a chocolatey crunch.
• White Chocolate Chips (Optional) – For extra sweetness, white chocolate chips add a creamy contrast.
• Sprinkles – Easter-themed sprinkles bring color and crunch.

Substitutions & Tips

• Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate, funfetti, or even strawberry for a different flavor twist.
• If you don’t have butter, vegetable oil works too—it gives the bars a slightly lighter texture.
• Love a crunch? Chopped nuts or shredded coconut make great add-ins.
• Don’t have M&Ms? Try chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or crushed Oreos instead.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these bars, just a few baking essentials.

Must-Have Tools

• Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for thick, chewy bars.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
• Spatula – To spread the dough evenly.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Parchment paper – Makes lifting the bars out of the pan easier.
• Electric mixer – If you prefer a smoother, more even dough.

How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Now, let’s get baking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of delicious cookie bars in no time.

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2 – Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients come together into a thick dough.

Tip: The dough will be thicker than regular cookie dough—this is normal. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up slightly.

Step 3 – Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips (if using), and sprinkles. Be sure to save a handful of M&Ms and sprinkles for topping before baking.

Tip: If you want a more even distribution of M&Ms throughout the bars, toss them in a little bit of flour before mixing them into the dough. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

Step 4 – Press Into the Baking Dish

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles on top.

Step 5 – Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The center should look set but still soft.

Tip: If you prefer softer bars, take them out closer to 20 minutes. For firmer, more cookie-like bars, leave them in for the full 25 minutes.

Step 6 – Cool and Cut

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling.

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, place the pan in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.

This is just the beginning! In Part 2, we’ll cover expert baking tips, storage recommendations, and even some creative variations to make these cookie bars your own. But for now, grab a plate and enjoy these chewy, chocolatey, sprinkle-packed Easter treats.

Tips for Success

These bars are incredibly easy to make, but a few small tweaks can take them from good to great. Whether you want them extra soft, perfectly chewy, or just looking bakery-worthy, these tips will help.

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Once you’ve combined the ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookie bars, and we’re aiming for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal

Lining your pan with parchment paper isn’t just for easy cleanup—it also makes lifting the bars out of the pan much simpler. Once they’ve cooled, you can pull the entire slab out, place it on a cutting board, and slice evenly.

3. Save Some M&Ms and Sprinkles for the Top

Mixing all of the candy into the dough is tempting, but saving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking makes the bars look more colorful and festive. The heat from the oven slightly melts the chocolate, giving them that perfect bakery-style finish.

4. Watch the Bake Time

Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bars at the 20-minute mark. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be set but still soft. If you like gooier bars, pull them out a little early—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Let Them Cool Completely Before Slicing

This might be the hardest part, but trust me—it makes a difference. Cutting warm cookie bars can cause them to fall apart. For clean, even slices, wait until they’ve cooled completely, or pop the pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed up the process.

6. Experiment with Different Flavors

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely customizable. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Chocolate Lover’s Version – Use a chocolate cake mix and swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks.
• Fruity Twist – Try a strawberry cake mix and add white chocolate chips.
• Nutty Delight – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
• Funfetti Edition – Use a funfetti cake mix for a double dose of sprinkles.

How to Store Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which isn’t always easy with a dessert this good), here’s how to store them properly so they stay fresh and delicious.

At Room Temperature

These bars will keep well for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the moisture from the bread prevents the bars from drying out.

In the Refrigerator

For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so they soften up again.

Freezing Tips

Want to make a batch ahead of time? These bars freeze beautifully.

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?

Absolutely! Vanilla or yellow cake mix works great, but chocolate, funfetti, or even lemon cake mix would add a fun twist.

2. What If I Don’t Have M&Ms?

No problem! Swap them for chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows for a different but equally delicious texture.

3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your mix-ins (like M&Ms and chocolate chips) are also gluten-free.

4. How Do I Get Perfectly Even Slices?

For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Chilling the bars before cutting also helps create neat, bakery-style squares.

5. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Definitely. You can bake them 1-2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. If making them ahead for a party, consider freezing them and thawing the day of your event.

Creative Ways to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are already festive and colorful, but a little extra touch can make them even more special.

1. Serve with Ice Cream

Warm up a cookie bar for a few seconds in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of soft, chewy cookie and cold, creamy ice cream is pure perfection.

2. Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel

Melt a little white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the bars before serving. Caramel sauce also adds a deliciously rich touch.

3. Add a Whipped Cream Dollop

A swirl of homemade or store-bought whipped cream gives these bars a bakery-style presentation. Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top for extra flair.

4. Make an Easter Dessert Board

Arrange these cookie bars on a platter with other Easter goodies like chocolate eggs, marshmallow peeps, mini cupcakes, and fruit for a colorful and fun dessert spread.

5. Turn Them Into Ice Cream Sandwiches

Slice the bars in half horizontally, add a scoop of ice cream in between, and freeze for 10 minutes. These cookie bar ice cream sandwiches are a guaranteed hit.

6. Pack Them for Easter Baskets

Wrap individual bars in cellophane or place them in small treat bags tied with a ribbon. These make adorable homemade gifts for friends and family.

Other Easter Desserts to Try

If you loved these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, you might enjoy these other sweet treats:

• Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes – A tangy, sweet spring dessert perfect for Easter.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes – A tropical, caramelized twist on a classic.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – A rich, indulgent treat for chocolate lovers.
• Peach Dump Cake – A quick and easy fruit-filled dessert.
• Peeps Cupcakes – A fun Easter-themed cupcake topped with marshmallow Peeps.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are one of the easiest and most festive desserts you can make for the holiday. With just a few ingredients, you get a soft, chewy, and colorful treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them as-is, dress them up with toppings, or add them to an Easter dessert board, they’re bound to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out. Share your photos, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly—enjoy every bite. Happy Easter and happy baking!

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