If you’re on the hunt for a festive, colorful treat that comes together in a flash, look no further than this Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of soft, chewy cookie bars loaded with joyful rainbow sprinkles and optional chocolate chips that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re bringing a dessert to a spring gathering, surprising the kids, or just craving something sweet with minimal fuss, these bars deliver big on flavor and happiness without complicated steps or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple yet totally essential for nailing that perfect texture and vibrant look that make these cookie bars so irresistible. Each component plays a key role in creating the delightful softness, moisture, and sweet bursts of fun inside every square.
- Vanilla cake mix: This is the base that gives the bars a tender crumb and wonderful vanilla flavor with very little effort.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add moisture for that soft, chewy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and helps the batter spread evenly in the pan.
- Rainbow sprinkles: For that classic Easter pop of color that brightens every bite and makes these bars feel festive.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Adds sweet pockets of melty chocolate that complement the vanilla beautifully but can easily be left out if preferred.
How to Make Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch pan. This step is critical because it ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to slice them.
Step 2: Mix Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a spoon or electric mixer to stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This simple blend forms the base of your cookie bars and sets the stage for soft, luscious results every time.
Step 3: Fold in Fun Additions
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles for vibrant bursts of color throughout the batter. If you’re using chocolate chips, add those in now as well. Be careful not to overmix to keep the sprinkles intact and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Spread Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into your greased pan, spreading it out so it’s an even layer. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn just golden brown. The inside should be set but soft.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars firm up so they hold their shape beautifully when served.
How to Serve Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookie bars already shine thanks to their sprinkles, you can jazz them up further with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a few extra sprinkles on top just before serving. It’s a small touch that ups the festive factor.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist. For a lighter option, fresh berries on the side complement the sweet, cakey texture perfectly and add a refreshing burst of natural flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cookie bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for an Easter-themed platter or arrange them on pastel-colored plates surrounded by edible flowers or small candies. Creating little dessert cups by stacking a square bar with a spoonful of frosting or fruit preserves can also wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookie bars as if freshly baked after freezing, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic and pairs well with sprinkles, feel free to experiment with funfetti, lemon, or strawberry cake mixes for unique twists on the Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
This recipe relies on store-bought cake mix, which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for a certified gluten-free cake mix and confirm your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I replace vegetable oil with something else?
Yes, you can use melted butter or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Keep the amount the same, but be aware it might slightly affect the texture or flavor of your bars.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color?
Fold the sprinkles gently into the batter right before baking and avoid overmixing. Using high-quality sprinkles designed for baking also helps prevent color bleeding and keeps those bright bursts intact.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit are great additions. Just fold them in with your sprinkles and chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor surprises.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully simple yet special about the Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe that makes it a must-have for your seasonal baking lineup. It’s quick enough to whip up on a whim but festive enough to steal the show at any celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy all the smiles it’s sure to bring to your table.
Print
Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a quick and festive treat perfect for celebrations. Made with vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and colorful sprinkles, they deliver a soft, moist texture with a hint of sweetness. Optional chocolate chips add extra indulgence. Baked in a single pan, these bars are simple to prepare and delightfully shareable.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles to evenly distribute their color and texture. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips as well for added richness.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares for serving.
Notes
- Greasing the pan well helps avoid sticking and makes removal easier.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure the cake mix and chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Feel free to substitute rainbow sprinkles with other seasonal or favorite sprinkles.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
