Irresistible Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

Golden Toffee Bars: Cake Mix Magic Recipe for Sweet Success

Sweet, buttery layers of cake mix toffee bars dance with indulgent caramel notes that will make taste buds sing.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create a textural symphony in every single bite.

Crafted with simple pantry ingredients, this dessert comes together faster than most traditional recipes.

The cake mix serves as a clever shortcut for creating decadent magic in your kitchen.

Chocolate chips and toffee bits add delightful crunch and richness to each square.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and rich, these bars promise to become a new favorite treat.

One bite will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

What You’ll Use for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake mix, butter, and egg into a thick dough.
  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for spreading batter and creating even bars.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures bars won't stick and easy removal.
  • Spatula: Helps smooth batter evenly across the pan.
  • Toothpick: Checks doneness by testing center of bars.
  • Wire rack: Allows bars to cool completely after baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab a 9×13 pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Create Dough

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until you’ve got a deliciously thick dough. If you’re feeling fancy, splash in some vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Spread The Love

Pour your dough into the pan and smooth it out evenly. Use a spatula or your fingers to make sure it’s nice and flat.

  • Shower With Deliciousness

Scatter chocolate chips and toffee bits across the top of your dough. Gently press them down so they nestle into the mixture.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool And Slice

Let the bars hang out in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack. Once they’ve chilled out completely, slice into squares and enjoy your tasty creation!

Tips to Upgrade Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Simple tips to elevate your toffee bars to the next level.
  • Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before spreading to create a more uniform, dense base that holds toppings perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like yellow, chocolate, or spice cake to create unique taste profiles that match your mood or occasion.
  • Transform this recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • These bars freeze wonderfully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for quick dessert emergencies or unexpected guests.

How to Serve Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Sweet Dessert Companions: Pair these toffee bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly contrast of warm, gooey bars and cold, creamy sweetness.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual bars in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbons for homemade edible gifts that friends and family will adore.
  • Coffee Break Treat: Serve these bars alongside a freshly brewed cup of espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich, buttery toffee flavor and create a perfect afternoon indulgence.
  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant dessert table centerpiece.

Store Cake Mix Toffee Bars Like a Pro

  • Place the toffee bars in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after cooling to help them set faster and enhance their firm texture.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These delicious treats can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
  • Prepare the batter and toppings the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch treat that tastes like it was just made.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for Cake Mix Toffee Bars?

You’ll need a boxed cake mix, butter, egg, vanilla extract (optional), chocolate chips, and toffee bits. These simple ingredients create a delicious dessert that’s easy to make.

  • Can I use different types of cake mix?

Absolutely! Yellow, white, or chocolate cake mix work great. Choose your favorite flavor to customize the bars and make them unique to your taste.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center. Bake for 20-25 minutes, but watch closely to prevent overbaking and keep them chewy.

  • Do I need any special baking equipment?

You’ll just need a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper or cooking spray, a mixing bowl, and basic baking tools like a spatula. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require fancy equipment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

For Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Creates a quick, soft foundation with bakery-style convenience.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients for a tender texture.
  • Egg: Provides structure and moisture to the cake base.
For Sweet Crunch Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers delightful pockets of melty chocolate goodness.
  • Toffee Bits: Introduces a caramel-like crunch and deep butterscotch undertones.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, subtle aromatic depth that complements the sweet ingredients.
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Irresistible Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

Irresistible Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Scrumptious Cake Mix Toffee Bars deliver a delightful blend of sweet and buttery flavors. Rich chocolate chips and caramel notes create an irresistible treat that you will savor with pure enjoyment.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (170 grams) toffee bits

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Dough Formation: Blend cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl until a dense, cohesive dough emerges. Infuse with vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
  3. Base Layer: Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth, uniform surface using a spatula or fingertips.
  4. Topping Application: Distribute chocolate chips and toffee bits generously over the batter, gently pressing to secure their placement during baking.
  5. Baking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a clean toothpick test from the center. Aim for a perfectly chewy consistency without overdrying.
  6. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
  7. Serving Preparation: Slice into desired square or rectangular portions, creating a tempting dessert ready to be savored.

Notes

Adjust Butter Consistency: Ensure melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent potential egg scrambling and maintain proper dough texture.

Prevent Sticking Technique: Use parchment paper overhang for easier bar removal and clean cutting, creating perfect square edges without crumbling.

Customize Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different chocolate chip types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to personalize flavor profile and match individual preferences.

Baking Precision Matters: Check doneness early and remove bars when edges are golden but center remains slightly soft, guaranteeing a chewy, moist texture without becoming dry or crisp.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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