Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

The Easiest Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe That’s Irresistibly Sweet

Decadent toffee bars crafted with a simple cake mix beckon sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts.

These irresistible treats blend rich, buttery layers with a delightful crunch.

A classic cake mix toffee bars recipe emerges as the ultimate shortcut to indulgence.

Chocolate chips and toffee bits meld together, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

The golden, crispy edges promise a delectable texture that melts in your mouth.

Minimal ingredients and effortless preparation make these bars a go-to dessert for busy bakers.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Enjoy Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match proteins, veggies, and seasonings to create a personalized plate that suits your taste and mood.
  • Quick Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with protein from fish or chicken, paired with vibrant vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Follow simple steps like grilling, steaming, and chopping to create a restaurant-worthy dish without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for solo dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings, adaptable to different dietary preferences and hunger levels.

Ingredients for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor for the bars.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
  • Egg: Provides moisture and helps create a cohesive texture.
Sweet and Creamy Layer:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy chocolate layer.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts to form a smooth, indulgent chocolate sauce.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate layer.
Topping and Texture Enhancers:
  • Toffee Bits: Adds a delightful crunch and caramel-like sweetness to the bars.

How to Make Cake Mix Toffee Bars

How to Make Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Egg

Mix everything until you’ve got a delicious, crumbly dough. Use your hands or a mixer to get a smooth consistency.

Press about two-thirds of this dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Scatter Toffee Magic

Sprinkle toffee bits generously across the dough layer, making sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Drizzle

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla extract

Stir constantly until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined. Pour this decadent chocolate sauce evenly over the toffee bits.

Step 5: Add Crumbly Topping

Take the remaining dough and crumble it artfully over the chocolate layer. Don’t worry about making it perfect – rustic looks delicious!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top that signals these bars are ready to devour.

Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Thoroughly grease the baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
  • Use less toffee bits if you prefer a milder sweet flavor, or adjust the amount of chocolate chips to suit your taste.
  • Start checking the bars at 22 minutes to avoid overcooking, as ovens can vary in temperature and baking time.
  • Let butter and egg sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother dough consistency and better blending.
  • Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Variations for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Toffee Bars: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or alternative flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Caramel Chocolate Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk.
  • Nutty Chocolate Toffee Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over toffee bits for added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, dark chocolate chips with lower sugar content, and sugar-free condensed milk alternative to reduce overall sweetness.

Pairing Suggestions for Cake Mix Toffee Bars

  • Elevate Sweet Toffee Harmony: Pair these decadent bars with a smooth, creamy Irish coffee to complement the rich chocolate and toffee notes.
  • Refreshing Contrast Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, which cuts through the sweetness and provides a clean, crisp balance to the dense dessert.
  • Nutty Beverage Complement: Match with a hazelnut latte, whose roasted undertones enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors in the toffee bars.
  • Dessert Wine Indulgence: Select a sweet port wine, which beautifully mirrors the deep, caramelized elements of the toffee and creates a luxurious tasting experience.

Storing Cake Mix Toffee Bars Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Keep bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Ensure they're away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen bars, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Oven method: Warm at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute yellow, white, or vanilla cake mix to create different flavor variations of the bars.

  • Is it possible to make these bars without toffee bits?

If you don’t have toffee bits, you can use chopped caramel or chocolate chips as an alternative topping.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the top turns golden brown and the edges look slightly crisp, typically after 25-30 minutes of baking.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Sweet caramel cake mix toffee bars deliver a perfect balance of buttery richness and crunchy toffee notes. Chocolate drizzles and golden edges promise delightful moments of indulgence for dessert enthusiasts seeking simple yet irresistible treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Toppings and Mix-ins:

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl, blending until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Transfer two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to create an even base layer.
  4. Distribute toffee bits uniformly across the initial dough layer.
  5. Create a chocolate sauce by gently melting chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  6. Carefully pour the warm chocolate mixture over the toffee bits, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Delicately crumble the remaining dough across the chocolate layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
  10. Slice and serve the toffee bars at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Enhance texture by chilling the dough for 15 minutes before pressing into the pan, ensuring a more compact and even base.
  • Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same rich, decadent flavor profile.
  • Customize toppings by adding chopped nuts or sea salt to elevate the sweet and salty balance of the bars.
  • Prevent excessive browning by tenting the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top starts to darken too quickly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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