I first stumbled upon the magic of using cake mix for something other than cake during a last-minute scramble for a potluck dessert. With a box of yellow cake mix and a bag of toffee bits in the pantry, these Cake mix toffee bars were born more out of necessity than inspiration. What I love most is the unbelievable texture and simplicity you get a soft, chewy base that perfectly complements the sweet crunch of toffee and gooey layers of condensed milk and chocolate. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss treat that delivers an incredibly rich flavor every time.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Toffee Bits
- 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional)
How to Make the Best Cake Mix Toffee Bars
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps and can be in the oven in less than 10 minutes.
Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Then, press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Add the Toppings
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, spreading it evenly. After that, sprinkle the toffee bits and chocolate chips over the top. This simple layering ensures a perfect bite every single time.
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. It will still look a little gooey, and that’s exactly what you want.
Cool Completely
This is the most important step! You must let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This allows them to firm up properly and hold their shape. Patience is key for clean slices.
My Best Tips for Perfect Bars
These little insights will help you nail your Cake mix toffee bars on the very first try.
Don’t Overbake the Bars
The first time I made these, I left them in the oven too long, and they came out dry. I learned that they continue to set as they cool. For that perfect gooey texture, pull them from the oven when the edges are just golden, and the center still looks slightly soft.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper
For easy cleanup and perfect removal, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to act as “handles.” Once cooled, you can lift the entire block of bars out and cut them into clean squares without any sticking.
Fun Variations of Our Cake Mix Toffee Bars
While the classic recipe is fantastic, it’s also incredibly easy to customize. Here are a few fun variations to try.
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut
For a sophisticated twist, use a white cake mix and swap the toppings for white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Use a chocolate fudge cake mix for the base and top it with a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for an intensely rich and fudgy bar.
Salted Caramel Toffee Bars
This is my favorite tweak. After the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty flavors.
If you’re a true chocolate fan, you should also try our recipe for mississippi mud cake mix.
Your Cake Mix Toffee Bar Questions Answered
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making these delicious bars.
Can I Make Cake Mix Toffee Bars in Advance?
Yes, these are great to make ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Can I Freeze Them?
They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Once cooled and cut, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Thaw at room temperature.
What Can I Use Instead of Toffee Bits?
If you can’t find toffee bits, crushed Heath bars or Skor bars work great. You can also use butterscotch chips or chopped pecans.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure all other toppings are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I Use Homemade Cake Mix?
Of course. You will need about 15.25 ounces (or roughly 3 ½ cups) of your dry homemade mix to substitute for the boxed version.
Print
Cake Mix Toffee Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly easy and delicious dessert, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars start with a simple yellow cake mix for a soft and chewy crust. Layered with sweet condensed milk, crunchy toffee bits, and melted chocolate chips, these bars are baked to gooey perfection. They are the perfect no-fuss treat for potlucks, parties, or any time you need a quick and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
1 large Egg
1 cup Toffee Bits
1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Then, press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Add the Toppings
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, spreading it evenly. After that, sprinkle the toffee bits and chocolate chips over the top. This simple layering ensures a perfect bite every single time.
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. It will still look a little gooey, and that’s exactly what you want.
Cool Completely
This is the most important step! You must let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This allows them to firm up properly and hold their shape. Patience is key for clean slices.
Notes
Lining the Pan: For easy cleanup and removal, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You can then lift the entire batch out of the pan for easy cutting.
Don’t Overbake: To ensure a gooey texture, remove the bars from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
Ingredient Swaps: If you can’t find toffee bits, you can use crushed Heath bars, Skor bars, or even butterscotch chips.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: cake mix bars, toffee bars, easy dessert, potluck recipe, condensed milk bars, chocolate chip toffee bars
