Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the ultimate quick-and-easy dessert—rich, buttery, and studded with sweet toffee bits and chocolate. Made with a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, these chewy bars come together in no time and are perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with minimal ingredients and no mixer required
• Chewy, gooey texture with a golden, buttery crust
• Loaded with toffee bits and chocolate for irresistible flavor
• Great for make-ahead desserts or last-minute baking
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or toppings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow or butter cake mix
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Toffee bits (like Heath toffee bits)
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract (if using).
5. Pour the milk mixture over the crust. Sprinkle evenly with toffee bits and chocolate chips.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the top. You don’t need to cover it completely—leave some gaps for a gooey finish.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set.
8. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Use chocolate cake mix for a brownie-like twist
• Swap toffee bits for butterscotch or peanut butter chips
• Add a layer of shredded coconut for extra texture
• Use white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a tropical feel
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an even sweeter finish

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week if needed.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Yes! Yellow, butter, or even chocolate cake mixes work well.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is necessary—just press and bake.

Can I make these without toffee bits?

Yes, but toffee adds great flavor and texture. Substitute with chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or nuts.

Are these bars chewy or cakey?

They’re chewy, gooey, and slightly crisp on the edges—perfect texture!

Can I add peanut butter?

Sure! Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter with the condensed milk for a fun variation.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I make this in a smaller pan?

Yes, just reduce the ingredients or be aware the bars will be thicker and may need a slightly longer bake time.

Are they overly sweet?

They are sweet and rich—best served in small portions!

Can I use homemade cake mix?

Absolutely! Just use a dry homemade yellow cake mix equivalent.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Not required, but refrigerating helps them stay fresh longer—especially in warmer weather.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are a rich, chewy dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With a buttery base, gooey center, and crunchy toffee topping, every bite is full of irresistible flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are a reliable, no-fuss option that always hits the sweet spot.

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