Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

Irresistible Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe: Sweet Magic Made Simple

Sweet, buttery toffee bars with a surprise cake mix base promise a delightful twist on classic desserts.

These decadent treats blend rich, golden layers that melt in your mouth.

The simple cake mix toffee bars recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crisp edges and a gooey center create an irresistible texture that keeps people coming back for more.

Chocolate chips and toffee bits add a luxurious crunch to every single bite.

Everyone from baking novices to seasoned pastry chefs will adore this effortless dessert.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing confection.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute yellow, white, or even chocolate cake mix to change the flavor profile of these toffee bars.

  • Do I need to use specific brands of chocolate chips or toffee bits?

No, any brand of chocolate chips and toffee bits will work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite or what’s available.

  • How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a set center. The bars should not be wet or jiggly when gently shaken.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your chocolate chips and toffee bits are also gluten-free certified.

Cake Mix Toffee Bars That Impress

  • Savor Seasonal Delight: Rhubarb cake celebrates the vibrant, tangy flavor of fresh rhubarb, making it a perfect seasonal treat that captures the essence of spring and early summer.
  • Impress with Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, offering a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes sophisticated without demanding advanced culinary techniques.
  • Create Comforting Memories: The warm cake paired with rich butter sauce delivers a nostalgic, homey experience that brings families together around the dinner table, perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend desserts.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a delightful afternoon snack, potluck contribution, or elegant dessert after dinner, this rhubarb cake adapts beautifully to various occasions and social settings.

Ingredients For Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient baking mix that provides the foundational flavor and texture for the bars.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender base for the dessert.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bars.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Toffee Bits: Provide delicious pockets of sweet, crunchy flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy layer that adds sweetness and helps bind the filling.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Baking Spray or Butter: Ensures the bars do not stick to the pan and can be easily removed.

Baking Cake Mix Toffee Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of bars later.

Step 2: Create Cake Mix Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs

Mix thoroughly until a thick, smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Build the Base Layer

Take half of the prepared dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, creating a solid foundation for the bars.

Step 4: Add Delicious Filling

Sprinkle the following ingredients over the base layer:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Create the Topping

Drop remaining dough in spoonfuls over the filling.

Gently spread the dough, allowing the filling to peek through for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The bars are ready when the edges turn golden and the center is set.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Tips For Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Experiment with different cake mix varieties like yellow, chocolate, or spice to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Reduce sweetened condensed milk by 2-3 tablespoons if you prefer less intense sweetness.
  • Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.

Flavor Twists For Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Gluten-Free Toffee Bars: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure toffee bits are gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Caramel Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut condensed milk.
  • Nutty Chocolate Version: Add chopped pecans or almonds between layers for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free chocolate chips, and a sugar-free condensed milk substitute for diabetic-friendly option.

Presentation Ideas For Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Pair with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: Complement the sweet, buttery toffee bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and enhancing the dessert's rich flavors.
  • Serve with Caramel Macchiato: Enjoy a warm caramel macchiato alongside these bars, matching the toffee's deep caramel notes and providing a smooth, coffee-infused beverage that balances the dessert's sweetness.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: Elevate the dessert experience with an espresso martini, offering a sophisticated adult twist that highlights the chocolate and toffee elements while providing a cool, slightly bitter counterpoint.

Storing Cake Mix Toffee Bars Properly

  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness.
  • Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before enjoying to maintain texture and flavor.
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Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Cake Mix Toffee Bars deliver a quick, irresistible dessert with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Buttery caramel notes and rich chocolate combine for a simple yet sophisticated treat that delights dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup toffee bits

Extras:

(No additional extras in this recipe)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light layer of grease.
  2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, stirring until a dense, cohesive dough develops.
  3. Distribute and firmly press half of the prepared dough across the entire bottom of the greased pan, creating an even base layer.
  4. Generously scatter chocolate chips and toffee bits over the initial dough layer, then uniformly drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the surface.
  5. Gently drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the filling, carefully spreading to create a rustic top while allowing glimpses of the underlying ingredients.
  6. Transfer pan to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden hue and firm edges that indicate complete cooking.
  7. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

  • Swap out regular cake mix for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste or texture.
  • Reserve a small portion of toffee bits to sprinkle on top after baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by using brown butter instead of regular melted butter, which adds a rich, nutty undertone to the bars.
  • Chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent the filling from oozing too much.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 302 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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