Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Posted on May 29, 2025

Gooey Toffee Bars Made with Cake Mix – So Simple & Delicious!

Looking for a sweet treat that’s gooey, buttery, and packed with irresistible crunch? These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are your shortcut to dessert heaven! With just a handful of pantry staples and a box of yellow cake mix, you can whip up a batch of decadent bars layered with chocolate chips and toffee bits. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something indulgent, these bars are the perfect blend of chewy and crispy—and they come together in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are a dessert dream come true—no mixer required, minimal cleanup, and big on flavor! Using a boxed cake mix means less measuring and more convenience, while the rich toffee bits and melty chocolate chips give every bite a delicious crunch and gooey center. Perfect for last-minute baking, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe is kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and totally customizable.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to bring these delicious bars to life. Most of them are pantry staples—perfect for a no-fuss baking day!

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup toffee bits (like Heath bits)

Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great), a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor

Instructions

These bars are super easy to make—just mix, layer, and bake. No fancy tools needed!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms.
Press into pan: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down.
Add the toppings: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the dough, followed by the toffee bits. Gently press them into the surface.
Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tip: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the cooled bars for 15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are just the right size for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (no judgment!).

Servings: Makes about 24 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Cool Time: 30–40 minutes (important for clean slicing!)

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a sweet snack on hand, this recipe delivers delicious results in under an hour from start to finish.

Tips and Variations

Want to make these bars your own? Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

Swap the cake mix: Try chocolate, butter pecan, or spice cake mix for a fun flavor twist.
Add crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture.
Make them gooier: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top before baking for an ultra-rich version.
Top with sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking brings out the sweet and salty balance.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix—just make sure the other ingredients are certified GF too.
Double the chocolate: Add white chocolate or peanut butter chips along with the semi-sweet for a flavor combo surprise!

Storage

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars store beautifully, which makes them perfect for make-ahead treats or gifting!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: For a firmer texture, keep them chilled for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, vanilla, or butter pecan cake mix all work great for a fun twist.

2. Do I need to use a mixer for this recipe?
Nope! A simple spoon or spatula is all you need to mix the dough.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your toffee bits and chocolate chips are also gluten-free.

4. What kind of toffee bits should I use?
Heath Bits O’ Brickle (without chocolate) or Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits both work well.

5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap them well and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

6. How do I get clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.

7. Are these bars overly sweet?
They are sweet, yes—but the toffee and chocolate balance out the richness nicely. A pinch of sea salt can help if you want to cut the sweetness a bit.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the ultimate easy treat—quick to make, totally satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re whipping them up for a bake sale, a weekend get-together, or just because, these bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort. With that gooey center, crunchy topping, and buttery base, they’re bound to become a repeat favorite in your dessert rotation.