Cake Mix Toffee Bars

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Craving a sweet treat that delivers buttery crunch, gooey richness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture all in one bite? These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are your new go-to dessert. Made with a box of yellow cake mix, buttery toffee bits, chocolate chips, and a silky sweetened condensed milk layer, they offer big flavor with minimal effort.

Perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or last-minute dessert ideas, these bars bring together the convenience of boxed mix with indulgent homemade flair. Whether you’re into easy baking recipes or just need a crowd-pleasing treat, this toffee bar recipe hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses just 7 pantry-friendly ingredients

• Semi-homemade with cake mix convenience

• Rich, gooey center and buttery crust

• Loaded with crunchy toffee and melty chocolate

• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or bake sales

• Easy to slice, store, and transport

Ingredient Breakdown

• Yellow Cake Mix: Forms the buttery crust and crumbly topping with minimal prep.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the dough and enhances flavor.

• Egg: Helps bind the dough together for a soft yet sturdy base.

• Toffee Bits: Add crunchy caramel-like texture and deep, buttery flavor.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Balance the sweetness with rich, melty chocolate.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a creamy, caramelized filling layer.

• Vanilla Extract + Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Dough
   In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.

3. Form the Base Layer
   Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even crust.

4. Build the Filling
   In a small bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
   Sprinkle toffee bits and chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Pour the milk mixture on top.

5. Add Crumb Topping
   Crumble the remaining dough over the filling. Don’t worry about full coverage—some gaps are perfect.

6. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly at the edges.

7. Cool and Slice
   Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.

Pro Tips

• Chill before slicing for ultra-clean, bakery-style edges.

• Use parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan easily.

• Don’t overbake. The filling should be set but slightly soft in the center.

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.

• Use a plastic knife to cut chilled bars without sticking.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Try a chocolate or butter pecan cake mix for a flavor twist.

• Swap toffee bits for chopped Heath bars or caramel chips.

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

• Use milk or dark chocolate chips to change up the richness.

• Make it gluten-free with your favorite GF cake mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

• Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.

• Plate with fresh berries or whipped cream for a party-ready presentation.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Bars can be made a day in advance and chilled until serving.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

• Reheat (optional): Microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds to soften the center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use butter-flavored cake mix?
Yes! It will add extra richness to the bars without needing any adjustments.

Do I have to use parchment paper?
It’s optional, but it makes it much easier to lift and slice the bars cleanly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan (like a 12×18-inch sheet pan) and bake slightly longer.

What if I don’t have toffee bits?
Crushed Heath bars or Skor bars work great as a substitute.

Are these bars overly sweet?
They are rich, but the semi-sweet chocolate and salt help balance the sweetness.

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