If you are looking for a colorful, deliciously soft, and impeccably easy treat to brighten up your dessert table, this Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Combining the simplicity of a cake mix with the fun pop of pastel M&Ms and sprinkles, these bars come together in no time and deliver a chewy, sweet bite that’s as festive as it is comforting. Whether for a spring gathering, holiday celebration, or just an anytime pick-me-up, these cookie bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy cravings with minimal fuss.

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating magic with these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars is about keeping things simple but thoughtful. Each ingredient plays a special role—from the cake mix providing a tender base to the pastel M&Ms adding bursts of color and crunch. Let’s take a look at these essential components that make this recipe so irresistible.

  • Yellow or white cake mix: The foundation of the bars, this pre-made mix delivers softness and a subtle vanilla sweetness, saving you time and effort.
  • Large eggs (room temperature): Eggs bind the ingredients while enriching the texture for a nice, chewy bite.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender, giving them that perfect cookie bar consistency.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note that complements the cake mix.
  • Pastel M&Ms: Brings vibrant colors and delightful crunch that makes these bars visually festive and fun to eat.
  • Pastel sprinkles (optional): Adds an extra layer of color and playful texture to amplify the Easter spirit.

How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking dish is key: line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This first step sets you up for a smooth baking experience and perfect bar shapes.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with the eggs and vegetable oil. Stir until the batter becomes smooth and thick—this ensures a chewy texture rather than cakey. Add the vanilla extract at this point and give it one last thorough mix so that warm flavor is evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 3: Add the Fun

Now comes the fun part: folding in the pastel M&Ms and sprinkles. Save some M&Ms and sprinkles for the topping so you can create a visually appealing crust. Gently fold them in to keep their shape and vibrant colors intact, which makes the bars pop both inside and out.

Step 4: Spread and Top

Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it reaches every corner to bake uniformly. Scatter your reserved pastel M&Ms and a sprinkle or two on top. Lightly press them into the surface so they stay put during baking, giving you that beautiful, festive finish.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the slab onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the bars firm up enough to slice neatly.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut your cooled Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars into neat squares or rectangles. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife between slices to keep things looking as polished as they taste. Serve and watch them disappear fast!

How to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate to add some extra sweetness and elegance. Fresh edible flowers or a sprinkle of additional pastel sprinkles can also elevate the festive vibe, making these bars perfect for a bright spring snack table.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness with smoothness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea completes the experience, making it an inviting treat for brunch or afternoon gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve these bars in a tiered dessert tray for a charming Easter buffet display. Another fun idea is to wrap individual bars in colorful cellophane with a pastel ribbon, turning them into delightful take-home favors for guests. You could also use themed plates or napkins to complement the seasonal mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a handy treat that you can prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to store them for longer, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their lovely texture or flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. For that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly warm it in an oven set to 300°F (150°C). That little heat boost revives the softness and melts the pastel M&Ms delightfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free cake mix that you love will work well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s designed to bake as a standard cake mix for the best texture in your cookie bars.

What if I don’t have pastel M&Ms or sprinkles?

You can swap them out for any candy-coated chocolates or colorful candy pieces you prefer. Alternatively, chopped chocolate chips or nuts make tasty additions to mix things up while keeping that playful crunch.

How do I make these bars dairy-free?

Since the original recipe only calls for vegetable oil, eggs, and cake mix, check your cake mix ingredients for dairy content. Opt for a dairy-free cake mix, and use egg substitutes if desired to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I make smaller or bigger batches of these bars?

Yes! Just keep the same ingredient ratios and adjust your pan size accordingly. Smaller pans will yield thicker bars that may require extra baking time, while larger pans create thinner bars that bake faster.

Are these bars good for kids’ parties?

They are a perfect kids’ party treat! Easy to hold, colorful, and sweet but not overwhelming, these bars are sure to be a hit with little ones and adults alike. Plus, they’re quick to make, freeing you up to enjoy the fun.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that makes you smile with every bite and impresses without any of the stress. Whether it’s for Easter, springtime celebrations, or simply because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookie bars will become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation. Give it a try and share the joy!

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Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 42 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a colorful, festive treat perfect for spring celebrations. Made with a simple yellow or white cake mix combined with eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla, these bars are studded with pastel M&Ms and sprinkles, giving every bite a fun and playful crunch. Baked until golden and cut into easy-to-serve bars, they are an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert option.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow or white cake mix

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins & Toppings

  • 1 cup (175 g) pastel M&Ms, plus 1/4 cup (45 g) for topping
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons pastel sprinkles (optional), plus extra for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting, or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until you have a smooth, thick batter. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s evenly incorporated.
  3. Add the Fun: Fold in 1 cup (175 g) of pastel M&Ms and 2 tablespoons of pastel sprinkles, reserving some of both for topping later.
  4. Spread and Top: Evenly press the batter into your prepared pan, making sure to reach all corners. Scatter the reserved M&Ms and a little more sprinkles over the surface, gently pressing them to adhere to the batter.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the slab out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
  7. Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy your colorful Easter treat. For clean slices, wipe your knife between each cut.

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs help the batter combine better for a moister texture.
  • Pastel sprinkles are optional but add extra festive decoration and crunch.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and quick cleanup.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix.
  • Wiping the knife between cuts ensures neat, clean slices without crumbles.

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