Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert—rich, chewy, and packed with buttery toffee goodness. Using a box of yellow cake mix as the base, these bars come together with minimal effort but deliver maximum indulgence. The golden crust is soft and sweet, layered with gooey condensed milk, crunchy toffee bits, and optional chocolate chips or nuts for extra flair. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 1 cup toffee bits (Heath or Skor work great)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. It may feel crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a smooth layer.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the toffee bits generously across the surface. If you’re using chocolate chips and nuts, scatter them over the top as well. Gently press the toppings into the condensed milk layer to help them stick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The condensed milk will bubble slightly and caramelize, creating a luscious topping. Don’t worry if the center looks a bit gooey—it will firm up as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this is key for clean slices. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. You’ll get about 16–24 bars depending on your preferred size.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for party platters or bake sales.
Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your toffee bits are certified gluten-free.
- Add a salty twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty combo.
- Switch up the mix: Try chocolate or spice cake mix for a seasonal variation.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. These bars also freeze beautifully—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. Want to try a twist with caramel drizzle or a nut-free version next? I’ve got ideas!