If you’re a fan of rich, chewy, and ridiculously indulgent desserts, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars will steal your heart. Combining the ease of a cake mix base with layers of creamy sweetened condensed milk, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy toffee bits, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a party, bake sale, or cozy weekend indulgence, these bars are sure to please dessert lovers of all ages.
Why This Recipe Works
Easy Prep with Cake Mix: Using a store-bought yellow cake mix as the base saves time and effort while providing a soft, sweet foundation.
Layers of Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and toffee bits creates a decadent, gooey filling that contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough.
Perfect Texture: Crumbly, golden-brown topping meets chewy chocolate layers and crunchy toffee for a bite full of contrasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base and Topping:
1 box yellow cake mix: The star ingredient for a quick and easy dough base.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈: Adds richness and moisture.
1 large egg 🍳: Binds the dough together.
For the Filling:
1 cup toffee bits 🍬: Adds sweet, crunchy texture.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 🥛: Makes the filling creamy and indulgent.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫: Balances the sweetness with a touch of bitterness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦: Enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Add Toffee Bits
Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the dough layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir continuously until the mixture is melted, smooth, and well-combined.
- Assemble the Layers
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the toffee bits in the pan, spreading it out evenly.
Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer to create a crumbly topping.
- Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Slice and Serve
Once fully cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
Servings: Makes 24 bars
Tips + Tricks for Success
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
Customize the Add-Ins: Swap toffee bits for chopped nuts, caramel bits, or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars; overbaking can make the crust too hard.
Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 15–20 minutes after cooling.
Add a Pinch of Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top of the bars for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Serving Suggestions
As-Is: These bars are perfect on their own as a rich, chewy dessert.
With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-indulgent treat.
Drizzle It: Top with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
Holiday Gift: Wrap individual bars in cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon for homemade gifts.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and chocolate filling up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is simple and nearly foolproof.
Quick Prep: The use of a cake mix base saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Universal Appeal: Perfect for kids, adults, and everyone in between.
Versatile Dessert: Great for casual snacking or elegant events.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Yes! Try chocolate, white, or spice cake mix for a fun variation.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A: Absolutely! Dark chocolate will create a slightly richer and less sweet flavor profile.
Q: How do I make these gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
Make these Cake Mix Toffee Bars your go-to dessert for any occasion. Their chewy texture, gooey filling, and golden crumb topping will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds)!