Cake Mix Toffee Bars are an easy, rich, and buttery dessert made with just a handful of ingredients. These bars have a chewy cookie-like base, a layer of sweetened condensed milk, and a topping of toffee bits and chocolate chips, making them irresistibly gooey and delicious.
If you’re looking for a quick dessert recipe using cake mix, these bars are the perfect treat for parties, holidays, or an everyday sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling & Topping:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath or Skor)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Base Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the base layer, spreading it gently with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the toffee bits, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 6: Cool & Cut
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps them firm up for clean slices.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
✔ Use Different Cake Mixes: Try chocolate, vanilla, or butter pecan cake mix for a twist.
✔ Swap the Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips for a different flavor.
✔ Make it Nut-Free: Skip the pecans if you prefer.
✔ Extra Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed pretzels or more toffee bits on top after baking.
✔ Drizzle with Caramel: For a decadent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
Storage & Freezing
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Yes! You can replace the cake mix base with a homemade shortbread or sugar cookie dough.
2. How do I make these bars less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, or reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these bars gluten-free.
4. What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
For perfect bars, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Toffee Bars
✔ Quick & Easy – No complicated steps, just mix, layer, and bake!
✔ Only 5 Ingredients – Perfect for last-minute baking.
✔ Buttery & Chewy Texture – A cross between cookies and bars.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, and holiday treats.
Make a batch today and enjoy these sweet, chewy, and chocolatey Cake Mix Toffee Bars with your favorite cup of coffee or milk
