{"id":29276,"date":"2024-10-06T11:04:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T16:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/can-t-leave-alone-bars\/"},"modified":"2024-10-06T11:05:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-06T16:05:06","slug":"can-t-leave-alone-bars","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/can-t-leave-alone-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Cake Mix Cookie Bars"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cake mix was meant to make baking cakes easy and quick, but it’s happily become a shortcut ingredient for cookies and dessert bars as well. These cake mix cookie bars show how one box of plain white cake mix can become a delectable dessert fit for anything from kiddie snacktime to family dinner to selling out at a bake sale.<\/p>\n
These bars are very easy to prepare, not only because of the cake mix but also because the ingredients are pressed and poured into a single pan\u2014no rolling and cutting of dough, and no dropping dozens of spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. And because they’re so simple to make, they’re excellent for beginning bakers.<\/p>\n
Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs and oil. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan, and press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan in an even layer. Set the rest of the cake mix combination aside.<\/p>\n In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave the mixture, uncovered, until the chips and the butter have melted, then stir to combine them thoroughly. The mixture should be smooth. Pour the mixture over the cake mix layer.<\/p>\n Using a teaspoon, drop scoops of the remaining cake mix over the chocolate layer. Bake the bars until the top is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the bars cool before cutting them.<\/p>\n These cookie bars using cake mix can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Eat them within four to five days.<\/p>\n Yes, dessert bars like these freeze well. Slice them up and wrap the slices tightly in freezer-safe wrap. Place all the wrapped packets in a freezer-safe bag or container. Eat them within three months. To serve them, first let them thaw in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n There are a few methods for cutting dessert bars<\/a> that will help make the edges look tidy and trim. First, cut the bars on a flat surface outside the pan. The easiest way to get them out is to line the pan with sheets of parchment paper that are a little longer than the pan; the edges should stick up so you can use them as handles to lift the bars. Grease the parchment instead of the pan’s surface. Next, cut the bars using a bench scraper that you move up and down to cut.<\/p>\n Also, ensure the bars have cooled; if they’re still warm, they’ll tear apart more easily. You can also freeze the bars for a short time to make them less likely to tear.<\/p>\n Finally, as you cut, keep the bench scraper (or knife) clean between cuts. Dip the edge of the scraper in hot water and wipe it dry, then make a cut. Clean off the scraper, dip it in hot water again, dry it and make another cut. Repeat until the bars have all been cut.<\/p>\n Not really. While the cake mix layer is solid enough that it might produce some cookies, the chocolate layer is liquid. Maybe you could make wells in the cookies and try adding the chocolate there, but this recipe is meant to produce dessert bars rather than cookies.<\/p>\n One possible compromise, however, is to try making the recipe in jumbo muffin pans or small ramekins. Those will give you individual portions while still allowing the chocolate layer to bake as it should. Divide the cake and chocolate layers between the wells or ramekins, and top each with more cake mix, as directed in the recipe. The baking temperature should remain the same, but the time needed to cook may change.<\/p>\n If you don’t make desserts often, sweetened condensed milk might not be a staple in your kitchen. You can use a couple of substitutes if you can’t get to the store to buy some. One option is making your own sweetened condensed milk<\/a> using milk and sugar; the result won’t be as thick or caramelized, but it will do. Other sweetened condensed milk substitutes<\/a> exist, including using evaporated milk<\/a> or coconut milk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cake mix cookie bars have a scrumptious chocolate layer between two cookie layers made with cake mix. It’s a simple and speedy recipe when you want something baked, and you want it quick.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2062140,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303972,303971,304158,306983,305488,306980,306989,304328,304288,305487,304338,304515,304433,303966,304408,304368,303887,306848,304347,304268,304558,324623,307005,304560,304563,304150,303883],"categories-v2":[308503,308500,310461,309438,310025,310802,310014,310031,308988,308984,308481,259620,310796,308992,308880,308833,308495,308813,308745,308478,309603,308998,259483,308910,309177,310051,308915,308917,309434,308476],"coauthors":[343419],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/strawberry-cake-mix-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Strawberry-Cake-Mix-Cookies_EXPS_TOHX27_279470_DR_05_16_05b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Easy Cake Mix 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Bars","datePublished":"2024-10-06","dateModified":"2024-10-06","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT20M","totalTime":"PT40M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_EXPS_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar_5.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Desserts"],"description":"Cake mix cookie bars have a scrumptious chocolate layer between two cookie layers made with cake mix. It's a simple and speedy recipe when you want something baked, and you want it quick.","recipeIngredient":["1 package white cake mix (regular size)","2 large eggs, room temperature","1\/3 cup canola oil","1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk","1 cup semisweet chocolate chips","1\/4 cup butter, cubed"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the cake mix layer","text":"Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs and oil. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan, and press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan in an even layer. Set the rest of the cake mix combination aside.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar-1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the chocolate layer","text":"In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave the mixture, uncovered, until the chips and the butter have melted, then stir to combine them thoroughly. The mixture should be smooth. Pour the mixture over the cake mix layer.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar-2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the topping and bake","text":"Using a teaspoon, drop scoops of the remaining cake mix over the chocolate layer. Bake the bars until the top is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the bars cool before cutting them.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar-3.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"3 dozen","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Suzanne S. Wiley"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 152 calories","fatContent":"7g fat (3g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"19mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"122mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"20g carbohydrate (15g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"2g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.4264708,"reviewCount":68,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-05-27","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"walkerjo"},"reviewBody":" Very good flavor. Good finger food; no sticky icing fingers.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-08-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Anna6325"},"reviewBody":" I discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was having unexpected company and searched my pantry for ingredients. I found a box of yellow cake mix and a can of sweetened condensed milk. When I googled, I found this recipe and ever since then, it has been a family go to for special events and potlucks!! I marble the chocolate with a knife. The only criticism we have is the name. We prefer to call them \u201clava bars\u201d because they look like chocolate lava flowing thorough a gooey yellow landscape.<\/p><\/blockquote>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-11-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"baguilar"},"reviewBody":" We love these also, I have some questions, my bater is always so thick and heavy it's difficult to separate into the pan. Am I doing something wrong? The chocolate mixture was so runny it all went to the bottom of the cake. And it was still runny when the cake part was almost burnt. Any advice will be greatly appreciated <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-05-23","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"MichelleHorkan"},"reviewBody":"I have made this recipe twice and everyone loves it. I saw that some people were having trouble \"spreading the dough\". I sprayed PAM on a spatula and it spread great! I also put flour on my hands when I was doing the second part. I had nothing but rave reviews on this recipe.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-01-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"MJMatzke"},"reviewBody":"The recipe was wonderful! I have made these for years. The only time I didn't like them is when I used a chocolate cake mix. They weren't as tasty as using a yellow or white cake mix. #1 key to success is using the dry cake mix, then add eggs and oil. You DON'T mix up the cake mix according to the package directions and then add the other stuff to it. Also, I have used store brands with no effect on taste or ease of making them. These are so delicious that is hard to eat only ONE!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-08-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"jahomey"},"reviewBody":"I have been making these for years and with rave reviews every time.it does take some effort to spread in the pan but it does fit a 9x13. I have found that you MUST use a name brand high quality sweetened condensed milk for success ,store brands have only produced a messy end product.use a good cake mix too. to those who didn\u2019t like this you must be doing something wrong.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2016-09-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"lynn91"},"reviewBody":"Nothing wrong with these! Easy to make and tasty, good for a potluck. I'm not sure why some people have a problem with dough being too sticky, it wasn't like that for me at all..it was the perfect consistency and exactly the right amount... maybe they are making the cake mix like the box tells them to and then adding it to this recipe? You just add the powder, ignore the box! I used Betty Crocker white cake mix. Also, I found it was A LOT easier\/cleaner\/faster to melt the chocolate\/butter on the stove. The microwave was a mess and doesn't evenly melt together since the butter melts so much faster than the chocolate chips.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-04-26","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"thaicooker"},"reviewBody":"This is a great recipe! I used a French Vanilla cake mix, as I did not have a white mix on hand. I thought the dough was sticky, but patience is always the answer, and a bit of flour on my hands as I pushed it into place.....I think I may add some nuts into the chocolate mixture next time. I made a batch and gave it to the PUD linemen, after they worked into the dark to restore our power last week! I will surely make this recipe again!!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-04-23","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"AKEmily"},"reviewBody":"My family loves these bars. My teen brought some to school to share, and her friends bugged for more. My kids pretend they are addicted to these. I've made them twice now; the first time I accidentally burned them (my fault), but they still tasted amazing. In fact, the second time, even though they turned out lightly browned, I decided I'd rather they be darker than lighter. So next time I'll let them get deep brown.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-08-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Amyhdrn"},"reviewBody":"Only the chocolate part is tasty. As a family we did not like this. The cake mix part of it overwhelmed the chocolate part.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-08-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CarolynRM"},"reviewBody":"Easy to make. Wonderful to eat!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-04-22","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"JerseyGal262"},"reviewBody":"Nothing wrong with the recipe!! I make them exactly as written and they are wonderful to take to a church coffee hour or any time you need to bring a treat. They have been my favorite for years and I have never been disappointed. The original recipe says to make 48, and they are rich so I make 48 pieces. Everyone loves them!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-03-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"delowenstein"},"reviewBody":"I sampled these bars after cutting them. I found that I did need to add liquid to batter-the consistency was VERY thick before I added about 1\/2 to 3\/4 cup milk for a much easier spreading consistency-that was my only ingredient change. I used stove top for making chocolate filling and baked 20 to 30 minutes-I did find these bars quite good!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-12-04","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"saycindy"},"reviewBody":"Made these for years. Super easy and everyone loves them. Where where they originally featured, anyone know???","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-02-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"MariannaVan Dijk","givenName":"MariannaVan","familyName":"Dijk"},"reviewBody":"So easy to make so rich to eat thanks for sharing","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-12-12","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"sg11505"},"reviewBody":"These are so simple and beyond delicious! I only make them to take somewhere otherwise I would eat every bar myself!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-07-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Cook_aholic"},"reviewBody":"This is the recipe for someone like me that doesn't bake much. I had butterscotch chips here at the time and used them, they were great. Will try chocolate chips next time and there will be a next time!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-11-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"bake4all"},"reviewBody":"Thought I'd save some by putting them in the freezer, but they taste good frozen, too!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-07-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Dreamluv"},"reviewBody":"My family and friends love these bars. I still get request for these on my facebook page and I have even made some profit from these. I experimented with different varieties, like adding pecans to the mixture, I have made white chocolate, and I have also added almonds.. These bars are unforgettable and they always get gone even when I make two pans at a time..","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2009-02-21","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"bethar"},"reviewBody":"I'm not sure if these bars are what I expected them to be. They ended up looking kind of funny after dropping in the final cake mixture. I figured that part would \"spread\" during the baking process, but it didn't. It stayed all bunched up in sections. I wondered if I should have run a knife through the final cake mixture to kind of marble it throughout the chocolate mixture. I also had to cook them for over 30 minutes to get them cooked in the middle. The chocolate part was still pretty soft. The bars themselves are tasty...pretty rich. We're enjoying them this time.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"13779","romance_copy_dek":"Cake mix cookie bars have a scrumptious chocolate layer between two cookie layers made with cake mix. 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Bake: 20 min. + cooling","MinimumServingQuantity":36,"MaximumServingQuantity":36,"Yield":"3 dozen.","DigitalTitle":"Cake Mix Cookie Bars","SubmittedTitle":"Can't Leave Alone Bars","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.43,"WebPublishedDate":"10\/6\/2024 11:04:20 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar_4.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":20,"CookTimeInMinutes":20,"TotalTimeInMinutes":40,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Can't Leave Alone Bars","OriginalSourceProject":"Can't Leave Alone Bars","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"I take these quick and easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. \u2014Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs and oil. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside. ","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Drop teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool before cutting. 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","NoOfRatings":68,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_EXPS_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar_5.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Cake-Mix-Cookie-Bars_EXPS_TOHD24_13779_SuzanNajjar_5.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":309177,"name":"Recipes","slug":"recipes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":309112,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Browse Taste Recipes recipes by course, cooking style, cuisine, ingredient, holiday and more categories to find a new family-favorite recipe.","parent":0,"count":51689,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? 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Step 2: Make the chocolate layer<\/h3>\n
Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Add the topping and bake<\/h3>\n
Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Cake Mix Cookie Bar Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Cake Mix Cookie Bars<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze bar cookies from cake mix?<\/h3>\n
Cake Mix Cookie Bar Tips<\/h2>\n
Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How do you cut cookie bars neatly and evenly?<\/h3>\n
Can you make these into separate cookies?<\/h3>\n
What can you use if you don’t have sweetened condensed milk?<\/h3>\n