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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.