If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing treat that’s a breeze to whip up, let me introduce you to this Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie texture with a burst of colorful rainbow sprinkles baked right in. Whether you need a festive dessert for an Easter gathering or simply want an easy, fun sweet treat, these bars bake up in no time and bring a cheerful pop of color to your plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, using just a handful of pantry staples that come together harmoniously to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role in delivering that soft texture, rich flavor, and cheerful appearance that makes this Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe so delightful.
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of the bars, providing a tender crumb and a subtle sweet vanilla flavor that’s irresistible.
- Large eggs (2): These bind the ingredients together and add moisture for that perfect chewy bite.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the bars soft and tender, ensuring they don’t dry out while baking.
- Rainbow sprinkles (½ cup): Adds a colorful, festive touch and a little bit of extra fun in every bite.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For those who love a little chocolate surprise tucked inside these cookie bars.
How to Make Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your bars come out cleanly without sticking, setting the stage for perfectly formed cookie bars.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, two large eggs, and half a cup of vegetable oil. Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully blended — this smoothness ensures every bite has consistent softness and flavor.
Step 3: Fold in Fun Ingredients
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, and if you’re feeling a little indulgent, toss in the chocolate chips as well. This step adds visual appeal and pockets of sweetness that take these bars up a notch.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into your greased pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly so the bars bake uniformly. Pop it into the oven to bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This step helps them set so that each square holds together beautifully, making for neat, perfectly portioned treats.
How to Serve Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are colorful and festive on their own, adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make them look even more irresistible. You might also sprinkle a few extra rainbow sprinkles on top just before serving for that extra burst of color and whimsy.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert upgrade. For a brunch or tea time treat, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple cup of hot coffee or tea for a balanced, delightful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookie bars in a rustic basket lined with pastel-colored parchment paper for a festive look at your Easter gathering. You could also cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a kid-friendly presentation or pack them individually in clear bags tied with a bright ribbon for sweet edible favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to maintain optimal freshness, store them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week without losing that delightful softness.
Freezing
Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe lends itself well to freezing. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
If you like your cookie bars a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes. This will revive the soft, chewy texture and bring back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can swap in funfetti, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix to put your own spin on this recipe. Just note that the flavor and color may change accordingly.
Are chocolate chips necessary in the recipe?
Nope! They’re completely optional. The sprinkles give plenty of color and sweetness, but chocolate chips add a lovely melty texture if you want to add a little extra richness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and double-check that your sprinkles and other add-ins are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make these bars more festive for other occasions?
Swap out the rainbow sprinkles for seasonal or themed sprinkles—like red and green for Christmas or hearts for Valentine’s Day—to adapt this recipe for any celebration.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute with light olive oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil, though the latter may add a slight coconut flavor. Avoid using butter as it changes the texture significantly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something fast, festive, and delicious. It brings smiles with its bright sprinkles and soft, chewy texture, all without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite on your dessert table!
Print
Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and simple treat perfect for celebrating the holiday. Using a convenient vanilla cake mix combined with eggs, vegetable oil, and festive rainbow sprinkles, these bars bake up soft and chewy with colorful bursts of fun. Optional chocolate chips add a rich touch for chocolate lovers. Ready in just 35 minutes, they make a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Add-ins
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, forming a consistent batter.
- Add Sprinkles and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and, if desired, the chocolate chips to add colorful bursts and chocolatey flavor throughout the bars.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares for serving. This helps the bars set properly for clean slices.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
- The chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast to the sprinkles.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or butter for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
