Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms a basic cake mix into a rich, buttery treat loaded with toffee crunch and creamy sweetness. It’s quick to prepare, requires few ingredients, and yields bars with a delightful combination of textures—soft, chewy, and crispy—all in one bite. Perfect for potlucks, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath bits or chopped toffee)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until crumbly but combined.
3. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
4. Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the crust layer. Add chocolate chips if using.
5. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the toffee and chocolate chips.
6. Crumble the remaining cake mix mixture over the top and gently press down to cover the sweetened condensed milk.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

Makes about 24 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Use a different cake mix flavor, such as spice or chocolate, for a twist.
• Swap toffee bits for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top after baking.
• Mix in shredded coconut with the toffee for a tropical touch.
• Substitute sweetened condensed milk with dulce de leche for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. These bars can be reheated briefly in the microwave to soften before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cake mix?

Yes, any flavor of boxed cake mix can be used to change the taste.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Are these bars very sweet?

Yes, they are rich and sweet due to the cake mix, toffee, and sweetened condensed milk.

Can I use butter-flavored shortening instead of butter?

Butter provides flavor and moisture, but shortening can be used with slight texture changes.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify that toffee bits are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking?

Grease the baking pan well or line it with parchment paper.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk?

Not directly, as it adds moisture and sweetness. Substitutes will change texture.

What’s the texture of these bars?

They have a chewy, slightly crunchy texture with a soft cake-like crumb.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Yes, add extra chips in the middle layer or on top for more chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the convenience of cake mix with the irresistible crunch of toffee and creamy sweetness of condensed milk. Perfect for quick baking and sharing, these bars offer a delightful treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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