Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert—chewy, buttery, and loaded with crunchy toffee bits, all built on the convenience of a boxed cake mix. These bars come together in minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. With a soft cookie-like base, gooey condensed milk center, and a golden toffee topping, they’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy nights in. You can customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Middle Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Topping:
- 1 cup toffee bits (like Heath or Skor)
- ¼ cup additional chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps with easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Base Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid base.
Step 3: Add the Middle Layer
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the base layer. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the milk. This layer adds gooey richness and texture.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly across the top. For extra indulgence, add more chocolate chips or nuts. Gently press the toppings into the milk layer to help them stick.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. The bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for 30–45 minutes. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Flavor Swap: Use chocolate cake mix for a deeper cocoa flavor or spice cake mix for a warm autumn twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts and add crushed pretzels or mini marshmallows for texture.
- Salted Caramel Finish: Drizzle with caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt after baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Mini Bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties.
🧊 Storage & Serving
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well for 1 week in the fridge.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a hot cup of coffee.
These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are sweet, chewy, and totally addictive—a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive. Want to try a tropical coconut twist or a sugar-free version next? I’ve got ideas that’ll keep your baking game deliciously creative.