When spring rolls around and Easter is just around the corner, I always look forward to making these Easter cake mix cookie bars. They’re colorful, sweet, and incredibly easy to whip up — perfect for when I want a festive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The soft cookie base made from cake mix, the bursts of chocolate from colorful candies, and the cheerful look make these bars a hit with kids and adults alike.
I first made these for an Easter brunch a few years ago, and now they’re a tradition in my house. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun recipe to make with the kids, or simply craving something bright and sweet, these cookie bars are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Let me show you why these bars are so special and how you can make them with just a few simple ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works
These Easter cake mix cookie bars are a perfect balance of ease and fun. Here’s why I keep making them year after year:
- Ridiculously easy: Using cake mix as the base means no complicated measuring or fuss.
- Festive and colorful: The pastel candy-coated chocolates make them perfect for Easter and spring celebrations.
- Soft and chewy texture: The bars are tender in the middle with just a slight crisp around the edges.
- Perfect for kids to help with: My little ones love sprinkling candies on top and helping mix the dough.
- Versatile: You can swap out candy colors or sprinkles to suit other holidays or occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 24 bars | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s or candy-coated chocolate eggs
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for extra sweetness)
- Easter or spring-themed sprinkles (optional)
How I Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
I preheat my oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This makes removing and slicing the bars super easy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I stir everything together until a thick dough forms — it’s soft, sticky, and smells like vanilla cake batter.
3. Add the Goodies
I fold in the pastel M&M’s and white chocolate chips (if I’m using them). This is where the color starts to pop and the dough looks so fun and festive.
4. Spread and Top
I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and gently press more M&M’s and sprinkles on top. This step makes the bars look picture-perfect after baking.
5. Bake
I bake for about 22-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. The house smells like sweet vanilla cake and melting chocolate — it’s heavenly.
6. Cool and Slice
I let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. They’re soft, chewy, and full of color with every bite.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Don’t overbake: The center should be soft and just set — they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Press candies into the top before baking: This ensures they stay visible and look pretty.
- Switch up the candy: Use Reese’s Pieces, mini Cadbury eggs, or any colorful candy you like.
- Add a drizzle: A little melted white chocolate drizzle on top adds extra sweetness and flair.
- Store in an airtight container: These bars stay soft and fresh for up to five days.
What I Serve with Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
These bars are perfect on their own, but I love serving them as part of a spring dessert spread. Here’s what I usually pair them with:
- Mini fruit tarts or lemon bars for brightness
- A bowl of fresh berries and whipped cream
- Iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity spring punch
- Vanilla ice cream for a sweet, creamy pairing
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Absolutely! Yellow cake mix, funfetti, or even strawberry cake mix would be fun.
Q: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A: Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Just swap in a gluten-free cake mix and check that all candy toppings are gluten-free.
Q: How do I keep them soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid overbaking for the softest texture.
Why These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
These cookie bars are simple, colorful, and joyful — exactly what I want in a spring or Easter dessert. They come together in minutes, taste incredible, and look like you spent way more time on them than you did. Whether you’re making treats for a party, filling Easter baskets, or just baking for fun, these bars are guaranteed to delight.
Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a sweet holiday tradition in your home just like they have in mine.
How I Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars That Are Festive and Delicious
Ingredients
- 3 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pastel M&M's
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until well mixed.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Fold in the pastel M&M's and white chocolate chips, if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
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