Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Using cake mix as the base saves time while delivering amazing flavor
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just 6 basic ingredients you might already have on hand
- Versatile: Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, family gatherings, or everyday treats
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully and can be frozen for later
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different mix-ins or cake mix flavors
- Crowd-Pleaser: The toffee-chocolate combination is universally loved
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath bits or chopped toffee)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
How to Make Ultimate Cake Mix Toffee Bars:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Create the base layer by combining the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated. The mixture will be thick and somewhat crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base layer.
- Sprinkle toffee bits evenly over the cake mix layer, followed by chocolate chips if using.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface, covering the toffee and chocolate chips.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars for the best results.
- Cut into squares once fully cooled and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Room temperature egg mixes more easily with the other ingredients
- Line your pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean cutting
- Don’t overbake these bars – they should still be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after cooling completely before slicing
- Press firmly when creating the base layer to ensure even baking
- Try different cake mix flavors like butter yellow, white, or even chocolate for variety
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 24 bars
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per bar
Notes:
- Toffee Bits Options: Both Heath Bits ‘O Brickle Toffee Bits or chopped Heath/Skor candy bars work well
- Variations: Try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or a mix of different chips
- Nut Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor
- Holiday Version: Add seasonal sprinkles on top before baking for festive treats
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix has a buttery flavor that complements toffee beautifully, you can experiment with white, butter, chocolate, or even spice cake mix for different variations.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These toffee bars stay fresh for several days and are perfect for making 1-2 days before serving.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Once completely cooled, cut into bars and store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They freeze well for up to 3 months.
My bars seem too soft. What went wrong?
They likely need more time to cool completely. The sweetened condensed milk needs time to set, which happens as the bars cool. You can refrigerate them to speed up this process.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to use two separate 9×13-inch pans rather than one larger pan to ensure even baking.
Storage Instructions:
- Counter: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Store wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
- Thawing: Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving
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Conclusion:
These Ultimate Cake Mix Toffee Bars represent the perfect union of convenience and indulgence. By starting with a boxed cake mix, you save valuable time without sacrificing flavor. The buttery base paired with toffee bits and sweetened condensed milk creates bars with an irresistible chewiness and caramel-like flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for unexpected guests, a treat to pack in lunchboxes, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday cookie tray, these bars are a fantastic choice. Their simplicity makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, while the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Go ahead and customize them with your favorite mix-ins or different cake flavors to make them your own. With these Ultimate Cake Mix Toffee Bars in your recipe collection, you’ll never be more than 40 minutes away from an impressive homemade dessert!