The magic of these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity and colorful charm. Made with just a few pantry staples, these bars bring together the cheerful spirit of the season with bursts of white chocolate, pastel M&M’s, and sprinkles that melt beautifully into every bite.
Perfect for Easter brunch, potlucks, or a spring-themed dessert table, these chewy bars are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Not only are they fun and festive, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them a great option for baking with kids or prepping last-minute holiday treats.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box yellow cake mix
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
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1/2 cup white chocolate chips
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1/4 cup sprinkles (Easter-themed)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
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Fold in M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
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Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Gently press a few extra M&M’s on top for decoration.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
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Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 16 bars
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars: A Colorful, Chewy Celebration of Spring
Springtime is all about renewal, color, and celebration and what better way to capture that spirit than with a batch of bright, cheerful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars? These dessert bars are the perfect blend of simplicity and festivity, making them a go-to treat for busy families, last-minute planners, or anyone looking to brighten their Easter table with something easy yet irresistible.
Cookie bars are a beloved classic in the world of desserts, and this version has a fun seasonal twist. It’s made with a box of yellow cake mix, pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and Easter-themed sprinkles. The result? A chewy, rich, slightly crisp-on-the-edges bar that looks just as delightful as it tastes.
In a season where many are spending time with family or enjoying the outdoors, these cookie bars are a stress-free way to add some sweetness to the mix. They’re also the ideal treat for Easter brunches, egg hunts, school parties, or even as a DIY edible gift. But before we dive into ways to serve and enjoy them, let’s take a moment to understand what makes this simple recipe so effective and why it’s become such a hit during the spring holidays.
The Beauty of Cake Mix Cookie Bars
One of the biggest advantages of using cake mix in your cookie bars is convenience. You don’t need to measure out flour, baking powder, or sift anything. The cake mix does most of the heavy lifting, ensuring that your bars bake up fluffy and tender every time. The texture falls somewhere between a cookie and a brownie dense yet soft, with a slightly golden top that holds all the sweet surprises inside.
If you’re a fan of chewy edges and soft centers, this recipe delivers. The oil and eggs provide moisture, while the mix-ins give the bars flavor, texture, and color. And because the ingredients are minimal, the dough comes together in just minutes no need for a mixer or complicated techniques.
These bars also store well, making them an excellent option for make-ahead treats. You can prepare them a day or two before Easter, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay moist and delicious until it’s time to serve.
Perfect for All Ages
Easter is a family holiday, and these cookie bars reflect that. They’re perfect for little hands and big smiles. Kids love the colorful candy-coated chocolate on top, while adults appreciate the buttery, nostalgic flavor of cake mix cookies.
You can easily involve children in the baking process, too. Let them mix the batter, fold in the M&M’s, or sprinkle the pastel toppings before baking. Not only is it a fun bonding activity, but it also gets them excited about what they’ve made especially when they see how gorgeous the bars look once they’re cut and plated.
These bars are also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or attending a neighborhood egg hunt, bringing a tray of these cookie bars ensures you’ll have something sweet that vanishes in minutes.
Variations to Make It Your Own
While this Easter version is pastel perfection, the recipe itself is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few variations and ideas to keep in mind:
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Change the Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to use white, funfetti, or even strawberry cake mix for a fruity twist. Chocolate lovers might enjoy devil’s food cake mix with dark chocolate chips and pastel M&M’s for contrast.
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Mix Up the Candy: If M&M’s aren’t your favorite, try crushed mini eggs, chopped chocolate bars, or even jellybeans. For extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts or pretzel bits.
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Add a Drizzle: For an elevated look, drizzle the cooled bars with melted white chocolate or pastel-colored candy melts. This adds an elegant touch, especially if you’re gifting them.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all mix-ins (like candy and sprinkles) are gluten-free certified. The result is just as delicious and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
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Easter Shapes: While this recipe is designed for a 9×13 pan and cut into bars, you could also bake the dough in a sheet pan and use cookie cutters to make Easter shapes like eggs, bunnies, or flowers.
These little tweaks can make the bars feel completely new each time you bake them yet the core recipe stays the same, ensuring a reliable result no matter how creative you get.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to make sure your Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars come out just right every time:
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on them in the oven. The bars should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They will continue to set as they cool.
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Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes removing the bars super easy and reduces cleanup. Plus, you can lift the entire batch out of the pan for cleaner slicing.
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Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.
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Press Toppings Gently: After spreading the dough in the pan, press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles into the top for visual appeal. It makes all the difference when you want a picture-perfect presentation.
The Joy of Seasonal Baking
One of the best parts about baking for the holidays is creating a sense of tradition. Whether you’re making sugar cookies at Christmas or pie for Thanksgiving, these rituals bring warmth and joy. The same is true for Easter.
These cookie bars are a recipe you can come back to every spring. They’re adaptable, shareable, and visually delightful a true reflection of the Easter holiday spirit. And because they don’t require hours in the kitchen, you can spend more time enjoying the moment with loved ones instead of stressing about dessert.
Conclusion:
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are more than just a sweet treat they’re a fun, festive, and foolproof way to add joy to your spring celebrations. With their pastel hues, chewy texture, and buttery flavor, they offer a quick yet charming dessert option for both novice and experienced bakers.
Whether you’re looking for something to bring to an Easter potluck, preparing a tray of sweets for a family brunch, or just wanting a colorful snack to welcome the new season, these bars are sure to deliver. And the best part? They require minimal effort, so you can focus on what matters most spending time with those you love and savoring the sweetness of the season.
So go ahead and make a batch (or two). Share them with friends, include them in your Easter baskets, or simply enjoy them with a cup of tea on a sunny spring afternoon. Either way, these Easter cookie bars are bound to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.