Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Let me tell you, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars take me right back to summer afternoons at my grandma’s house, where the sweet smell of buttery toffee and sugar always seemed to hang in the air. There was something magical about how a simple box of cake mix could transform into this golden, crispy, chewy bar that everyone fought over. The best part? That satisfying crunch from the toffee bits paired with the soft, buttery cake base—it’s like a tiny party in your mouth! If you’re ever short on time but craving something that feels homemade and utterly indulgent, these bars are your new best friend. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a pan of treats that’ll bring that nostalgic feeling right into your own kitchen.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup toffee bits (like Heath or Skor candies)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping (optional):

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together into a thick, sandy dough—you want it to hold together but still look a little crumbly.

Step 2:

Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure to press firmly into the corners to create a nice, packed base. This will bake into your chewy, buttery foundation. Sprinkle half of the toffee bits (and nuts, if using) evenly across this crust.

Step 3:

Now, crumble the remaining dough over the toffee layer, kind of like scattered little snowflakes. This will create the slightly crisp and crumbly top. Sprinkle the rest of the toffee bits on top so you get a golden, caramelized finish after baking.

Step 4:

Bake the bars for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the toffee looks slightly melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell irresistible! Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set up before lifting them out.

Step 5 (optional):

If you want to elevate these bars, melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until silky smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra layer of richness.

Step 6:

Allow the chocolate drizzle to set for about 15 minutes, then slice the bars into squares and get ready to indulge! The combination of chewy cake, buttery toffee, and optional chocolate is pure magic.

Variations & Tips

• Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a totally different flavor vibe.
• Swap out toffee bits for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for fun twists.
• If the bars crumble too much when slicing, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm up.
• For a nut-free version, just skip the nuts entirely or use sunflower seeds instead.
• Pressing the dough firmly into the pan is key to getting a good chewy texture—don’t be shy with your hands!

How I Like to Serve It

These bars are perfect for summer picnics or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. I also love serving them at holiday gatherings because they’re easy to make ahead and crowd-pleasing. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an irresistible dessert.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.
• Reheat briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Closing: These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are one of those recipes that always deliver sweet nostalgia and unbeatable flavor with minimal effort—trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to treat!

Lina

Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.