Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
When I’m in the mood for something sweet, I love making desserts that are both easy and delicious. These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are one of my go-to recipes because they combine two of my favorite treats – cake and cookies. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, I can create a dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy any craving. The best part is how quickly they come together, so I can enjoy a homemade treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What makes these bars even better is their versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want extra chocolate chips, a hint of vanilla, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether I’m hosting a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet snack at home. Plus, they’re always a hit with both kids and adults!
I’ve made these bars countless times, and they never fail to impress. I love that they’re so simple but still taste like a special treat. Whether I’m in a rush or have some extra time to spare, these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are always a reliable choice for satisfying my sweet tooth.
Ingredients
● 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix (13.25 ounces): This cake mix forms the base of the bars, giving them a soft, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips.
● 2 Large Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bars a rich, chewy consistency.
● ½ Cup Vegetable Oil: The vegetable oil adds moisture to the bars, keeping them soft and tender with every bite.
● ⅓ Cup Water: A little bit of water is all it takes to bring the dough together and create the perfect batter consistency.
● ¾ Cup Chocolate Chips + Extra for topping: The chocolate chips melt into the batter, adding pockets of rich, gooey chocolate in every bite – plus a few extra on top for a delicious finish.
Recipe Instructions
You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips and mix until no lumps appear.
3. Fold in the ¾ cup chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips over the top and bake for 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just barely gooey. You don’t want them to be 100% finished as they will continue to cook once pulled out of the oven.
6. When the toothpick comes back just barely gooey, pull the pan from the oven and let the bars rest in the pan for 20-30 minutes. If sliced before they’ve cooled a bit, they will tend to fall apart.
7. Once cool, slice the bars, serve, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different size cake mix?
Yes! This recipe works well with both 13.25-ounce and 15.25-ounce cake mixes, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
2. Why do I need to fold the chocolate chips into the batter instead of using a mixer?
To ensure the chocolate chips don’t break up or get over-mixed, it’s important to fold them in gently with a rubber spatula. This preserves their shape and gives you those delicious pockets of melted chocolate in every bite!
3. What happens if I bake these in a smaller pan?
If you bake these in a smaller pan, they will turn out thicker. However, you’ll need to lower the oven temperature to 325°F and bake them for a longer time to ensure they cook all the way through.
4. Can I use more chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor?
While it’s tempting to load up on chocolate chips, be cautious! Using too many can cause the bars to fall apart, even if you let them rest. It’s best to stick to the recommended amount for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
5. How long should I let the bars rest before cutting them?
Resist the urge to slice these right out of the oven! Let them rest for at least 15-20 minutes so they can set up properly. This ensures they won’t fall apart when you cut them, leaving you with gooey, perfect cookie bars.
6. Why are these bars softer than regular cookies?
These bars are intentionally a bit softer than traditional cookies, and that’s part of their charm! The softness gives them a chewy, comforting texture, making them a perfect dessert to enjoy any time.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Pan
- Larger Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups (both liquid and solid are needed)
- Rubber Spatula
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer)
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (13.25 ounces)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/3 cup Water
- 3/4 cup Chocolate Chips + Extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips and mix until no lumps appear.
- Fold in the ¾ cup chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle a few chocolate chips over the top and bake for 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just barely gooey. You don't want them to be 100% finished as they will continue to cook once pulled out of the oven.
- When the toothpick comes back just barely gooey, pull the pan from the oven and let the bars rest in the pan for 20-30 minutes. If sliced before they’ve cooled a bit, they will tend to fall apart.
- Once cool, slice the bars, serve, and enjoy!
You can find more cookie bar recipes here!
