Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent, chocolatey treat that's impossibly easy to make and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy! These Chocolate Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the secret weapon in every home baker's arsenal - a magical recipe that transforms a simple cake mix into irresistible, fudgy bars that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, spontaneous cravings, or impressive gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the cookie bars.
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined. The batter will be thick.
- If desired, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter. This adds extra flavor and texture to your cookie bars.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure the batter reaches the corners of the dish for even baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cookie bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to cut them into bars.
- After the bars have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to cut them into 16 squares. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan for easier cutting.
- Serve the chocolate cake mix cookie bars warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a delicious dessert or snack!
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better ingredient integration and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.
- For extra richness, try using different types of chocolate chips like dark, milk, or semi-sweet.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely for cleaner, more defined cuts if you prefer neat squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a gourmet twist, sprinkle sea salt on top or drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
