Irresistible Cake Mix Toffee Bars – Easy, Gooey, and Perfect for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but tastes like something straight from a bakery, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the answer. With just a handful of ingredients, including a box of cake mix and sweet toffee bits, you can create a gooey, rich treat that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No need to bake a cake from scratch—just grab your favorite yellow cake mix!
- Minimal Ingredients: Only six ingredients, most of which you probably already have.
- Gooey & Delicious: The sweetened condensed milk creates a soft, chewy texture with a caramelized finish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are always a hit with both kids and adults. You’ll get requests for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup toffee bits (like Heath or chopped toffee bars)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and the egg. Stir together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick dough. The dough will be sticky and dense—that’s exactly what you want.
3. Add the Toffee and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the toffee bits, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re using chocolate chips, add them now. They add a melty richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet toffee.
4. Press into the Baking Pan
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly using your hands or the back of a spoon. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just make sure it covers the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the dough. Use a spatula to gently spread it if needed, covering as much of the surface as possible. This step creates the gooey magic.
6. Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter.
7. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars. You should get around 12 servings, depending on how big you slice them.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just separate layers with parchment paper.
Recipe Notes & Variations
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts give an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Try different cake mixes: Spice cake mix or butter pecan mix Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie