Every year as Easter approaches, I find myself reminiscing about those sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where the air was filled with the sweet scent of baking. It’s where I first learned about the magic of desserts, especially her colorful cookie bars that always had a little surprise inside. That’s why I’m so excited to share my take on those cherished memories with these delightful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars. They’re bright, cheerful, and bursting with flavor, just like those family gatherings I hold so dear.

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are perfect for the season, bringing together the joy of springtime colors and the sweetness of chocolate. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat your loved ones, these bars are quick to whip up, and they’re sure to steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those precious moments with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love "Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars"

Super quick prep time — just 10 minutes to get these delightful bars in the oven!
Minimal ingredients — you probably have most of them in your pantry already.
Perfectly family-friendly; kids will love helping mix in the M&Ms!
Colorful and festive, making them a hit for your Easter celebrations.
Leftover bars can easily be stored or frozen for a sweet treat later.
Deliciously versatile — swap out M&Ms for your favorite candies or nuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) - any brand will do, but I love the classic Betty Crocker for its consistent flavor.
2 large eggs - make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
⅓ cup vegetable oil - oil helps keep the bars moist; feel free to use canola oil if you prefer.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract - the real stuff is best, but imitation works in a pinch.
1 cup Easter M&M candies - the bright colors are perfect for spring; you can also use regular M&Ms if you can’t find the Easter ones.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - I like to use Ghirardelli for their rich flavor, but any brand will do!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s like getting the cozy embrace of warmth ready for our cookie bars!

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, two large eggs, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Grab a whisk or a sturdy spatula and mix until everything is just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s just the cake mix doing its thing!

Fold in the Mix-ins

Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of Easter M&M candies and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter — every bite should be a little surprise of color and sweetness!

Prepare the Baking Pan

Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This will help ensure those bars come out effortlessly!
Spread the cookie mixture evenly into the prepared pan. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure it’s all spread out!

Bake the Cookie Bars

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes — we want them perfectly baked, not overdone!

Cool and Cut

Once baked to perfection, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
After cooling, slice into bars of your desired size. I usually go for square or rectangular pieces, but hey, you do you!

Variations

For a chocolate lover’s dream, swap half of the cake mix for chocolate cake mix.
Add a sprinkle of coconut on top for a tropical twist!
For a lighter version, replace the vegetable oil with applesauce.
Try using peanut butter M&Ms for an extra nutty flavor.
Make these gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These colorful cookie bars are best served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience! A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.

Storage

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!

Helpful Notes

If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor!
Store these bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
For those with nut allergies, simply skip the nuts or candy that contains nuts.
These bars can easily be made dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars?

Yes, absolutely! These cookie bars freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

What can I use instead of M&Ms?

If M&Ms aren’t your thing, no worries! You can substitute them with chocolate chunks, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even other candies like Reese's Pieces or Skittles for a fruity twist. Just make sure whatever you use complements the sweetness of the bars!

How long do the cookie bars last?

These delicious cookie bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to wrap them well to maintain freshness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookie bars gluten-free! Just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, and you’re good to go. Be sure to check for cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with severe gluten allergies!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friend! These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are not only a breeze to whip up, but they’re also sure to bring joy to your table this season. I can just picture the smiles on everyone's faces as they take that first bite. So gather your loved ones, make some memories in the kitchen, and dive into the delightful world of colorful treats. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Trust me, it’s going to be a keeper in your home, just like it is in mine. Happy baking!

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and colorful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars that are easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Easter M&M candies
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
Fold in the Easter M&M candies and chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Can substitute M&Ms with other candy if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars