If you love easy desserts that taste like they came straight from a bakery, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. With a buttery base, gooey center, and a crunch of toffee, they’re a dreamy combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party or satisfying your sweet tooth on a cozy weekend, these bars are a foolproof way to impress. Trust me, they’re dangerously good!
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Toffee Bars
This recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Here’s why it’s bound to be a hit:
- Quick and Easy: Made with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these bars are perfect for busy bakers.
- Versatile: Serve them as a dessert, snack, or sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.
- Budget-Friendly: Using a cake mix as the base keeps things simple and affordable.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or drizzle with caramel for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, buttery, and slightly crunchy—they’re loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Cake Mix Toffee Bars
Let’s dive into the magic of these bars and what makes them so irresistible:
Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of this recipe. It provides the perfect balance of sweetness and structure.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures the base is soft yet sturdy.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a cohesive dough.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret to that luscious, gooey layer.
Toffee Bits: The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature crunch and caramel-like flavor.
Chocolate Chips (optional): For those who can’t resist a hint of chocolate.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of these irresistible bars:
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper lightly for easy removal.
Make the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Add the Filling: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dough layer. Sprinkle the toffee bits generously on top, followed by chocolate chips if using.
Top It Off: Crumble the remaining dough over the filling, leaving some gaps for that beautiful, gooey look when baked.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are delightful at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Calories per serving: Approx. 250-300
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Cake Mix Toffee Bars
These bars are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of treats:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream takes them to the next level.
- As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Party Favorite: Arrange them on a platter for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Presentation tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra toffee bits for a gourmet touch.
Additional Tips
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean slices.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A1: Yes! Try chocolate, spice, or white cake mix for a fun twist.
Q2: What if I don’t have toffee bits?
A2: Substitute with chopped caramel candies, butterscotch chips, or crushed hard toffee.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Use a gluten-free cake mix as the base for a gluten-free version.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor.
Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A6: Butter is preferred for its flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Q7: How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
A7: Use parchment paper and lightly grease it to avoid any sticking issues.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, bake in two 9×13 pans or use a larger baking dish with adjusted cooking time.
Q9: Can I omit the chocolate chips?
A9: Of course! The bars are delicious with or without chocolate.
Q10: How can I make these bars dairy-free?
A10: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and a butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves easy, no-fuss recipes that deliver big on flavor. With their buttery base, gooey filling, and delightful crunch, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch—just be prepared to share, because everyone will want a piece!
PrintCake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe
Indulge in these easy-to-make Cake Mix Toffee Bars, featuring a buttery crust topped with sweetened condensed milk and crunchy toffee bits. Perfect for any gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the crust.
- If using, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the toffee bits.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the toffee and chocolate layers, covering the entire surface.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the bars a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to allow them to set properly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize by adding chopped nuts or using different types of chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg