Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars: A Festive and Easy Treat for Your Easter Celebration

Easter is a time for family, joy, and of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert to add to your Easter menu, these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect choice. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips and festive Easter M&M candies, these bars are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a big Easter brunch or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delightful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, including tips, variations, and why this recipe is a must-try for your Easter celebration.

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Why You’ll Love These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

1. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
2. Festive and Fun: The colorful Easter M&M candies make these bars visually appealing and perfect for the holiday.
3. Versatile: You can customize this recipe with different cake mix flavors, candies, or add-ins to suit your taste.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

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Ingredients for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bars:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The base of the recipe, providing a soft and chewy texture.
• 2 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together.
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture to the bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 1 cup Easter M&M candies: Adds a festive touch and a burst of color.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Fold in the Easter M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into an even layer.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. This step is crucial for clean, even slices.

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 The History of Easter Treats and Why Cake Mix Bars Are a Modern Favorite

Easter is a holiday steeped in tradition, and one of the most beloved aspects of the celebration is the food. From hot cross buns to lamb roasts, Easter meals are often rich in symbolism and flavor. However, when it comes to desserts, Easter treats have evolved over time to include a mix of classic and modern recipes. One such modern favorite is the Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars.

The tradition of baking for Easter dates back centuries. In medieval Europe, sweet breads and cakes were often prepared to mark the end of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection. Over time, these treats became more elaborate, with ingredients like spices, dried fruits, and marzipan taking center stage. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the invention of boxed cake mixes revolutionized home baking. These convenient mixes made it easier than ever for families to whip up delicious desserts without the hassle of measuring out individual ingredients.

Today, Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars represent the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. By using a boxed cake mix as the base, this recipe pays homage to the simplicity of modern baking while incorporating festive elements like Easter M&M candies and chocolate chips. The result is a treat that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, making it a hit with bakers of all ages.

What makes these bars particularly special is their versatility. While traditional Easter desserts like simnel cake or Easter bread require specific ingredients and techniques, cake mix bars allow for endless customization. Whether you prefer a classic yellow cake base or want to experiment with funfetti or chocolate, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability, combined with their ease of preparation, has cemented cake mix bars as a modern Easter favorite.

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 How to Customize Your Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

One of the best things about Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions, experimenting with flavors, or simply looking to add a personal touch, there are countless ways to make this recipe your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Switch Up the Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix is the classic choice, you can use any flavor you like. Try chocolate cake mix for a richer treat, or funfetti for a playful twist. Strawberry or lemon cake mixes can also add a refreshing, springtime flavor.
2. Play with Mix-Ins: The Easter M&M candies and chocolate chips in the original recipe are just the beginning. Consider adding white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for extra texture. For a healthier option, try dried fruit like cranberries or apricots.
3. Go Gluten-Free: If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, simply swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free version. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work just as well in this recipe.
4. Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted chocolate or icing over the cooled bars. You can even use pastel-colored icing to keep the Easter theme alive.
5. Make Them Vegan: To create a vegan version, use a plant-based cake mix and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
6. Experiment with Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the bars with shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or even extra M&M candies for a fun and festive look.

By customizing your Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, you can create a dessert that’s uniquely yours while still keeping the preparation simple and stress-free.

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Tips for Hosting an Easter Baking Party with Kids

Easter is a wonderful time to get kids involved in the kitchen, and these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect recipe for a family-friendly baking session. Hosting an Easter baking party with kids can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holiday. Here are some tips to make the experience enjoyable for everyone:

1. Prepare Ahead of Time: Measure out the ingredients and set them up in an organized manner before the kids join in. This will make the process smoother and less chaotic.
2. Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Younger children can help with simple tasks like pouring pre-measured ingredients into the bowl or adding the M&M candies and chocolate chips. Older kids can take on more complex tasks like mixing the dough or spreading it in the pan.
3. Make It Educational: Use the baking session as an opportunity to teach kids about measurements, following instructions, and the science behind baking. For example, explain how eggs help bind the ingredients or how heat transforms the dough into bars.
4. Encourage Creativity: Let the kids customize their own batch of bars by choosing their favorite mix-ins or toppings. This will make them feel more involved and excited about the final product.
5. Keep It Safe: Always supervise children in the kitchen, especially when using the oven or handling sharp utensils. Teach them about kitchen safety and hygiene, like washing hands before handling food.
6. Add Festive Touches: Set the mood with Easter-themed decorations, like bunny-shaped aprons, pastel-colored bowls, and Easter music. You can even turn the baking party into a full-blown Easter celebration with crafts and games.
7. Celebrate the Results: Once the bars are baked and cooled, gather everyone to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Take photos of the kids with their creations and share them with family and friends.

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Variations to Try

1. Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use a chocolate cake mix and double the amount of chocolate chips for an ultra-rich treat.
2. Funfetti Bars: Swap the yellow cake mix for funfetti and use pastel-colored sprinkles instead of M&M candies.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
4. Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

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Why These Bars Are Perfect for Easter

Easter is all about celebration, and these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. Here’s why:

• Festive Colors: The pastel-colored M&M candies add a cheerful, springtime vibe to the bars.
• Easy to Share: These bars are portable and easy to slice, making them ideal for Easter gatherings, egg hunts, or gift-giving.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix the dough and add the colorful candies, making this a fun family activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I Use a Different Type of Candy?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the Easter M&M candies for other seasonal candies or even dried fruit for a healthier twist.

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Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 bar):

• Calories: 238kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 31mg
• Sodium: 24mg
• Potassium: 96mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 86IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

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Final Thoughts

These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for your Easter celebration. With their soft, chewy texture and festive mix-ins, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Plus, the simplicity of using a cake mix means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.