One afternoon, I stood near the baking section while a grandmother and her grandson debated which Easter candies were best for baking and which were meant strictly for snacking. Nearby, a friend from my neighborhood texted asking for
an easy dessert idea for a school Easter party that didn’t involve frosting or piping bags. Later that same week, our local community center announced a spring potluck, and the sign up sheet filled quickly with casseroles and salads but very few desserts.
Back at home, the kitchen counter slowly turned into a mix of bright M&M colors, chocolate chips, and a simple box of yellow cake mix. My daughter sorted candies by color while a playlist played softly in the background, and the oven began to warm the room.
These bars came together between conversations about weekend plans and which candy colors should go on top. Once baked, the surface looked golden and slightly crackled, dotted with bursts of candy that hinted at what was inside.
I made them again for an Easter weekend get together where folding tables were pushed together and plates were passed from hand to hand.
Someone asked for the recipe before even finishing their square. Another tucked one into a napkin to take home. These bars proved that sometimes the simplest bakes are the ones people remember most.
Short Description
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars packed with colorful Easter M&M candies and chocolate chips, made easily with cake mix and baked to golden perfection.
Key Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter M&M candies
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, making sure the corners are covered.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully blended and a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Add the Mix Ins
Fold in the Easter M&M candies and semi sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Spread into the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula, pressing gently into the corners.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is set, lightly golden, and the center no longer looks wet.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for clean edges and the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple pantry ingredients
No mixer required
Bright and festive appearance
Soft, chewy texture with crisp edges
Perfect for parties, school events, and holidays
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overbaking the Bars
Baking too long can dry out the bars.
Solution: Remove them when the center is just set and no longer glossy.
Uneven Spreading
Thick spots may stay underbaked.
Solution: Take time to spread the dough evenly, especially into corners.
Cutting While Warm
Warm bars can crumble when sliced.
Solution: Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can make the bars dense.
Solution: Stir only until ingredients are combined.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a dessert tray with pastel candies
Pair with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa
Add to Easter brunch spreads
Serve family style for casual gatherings
Cut into smaller squares for dessert tables
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer storage
Warm briefly in the microwave for a softer texture
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, white or funfetti cake mix also works well.
2. Can I substitute different candies?
You can use any seasonal candies or chocolate pieces you prefer.
3. Can these be frozen?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. How do I know when they are done?
The edges should be lightly golden and the center set but soft.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they hold their texture well when made a day in advance.
Tips & Tricks
Press a few extra M&Ms on top before baking for visual appeal
Use parchment paper for easier removal
Let bars cool fully for the cleanest slices
Use a plastic knife for neat cuts through candy pieces
Recipe Variations
Funfetti Easter Bars: Use funfetti cake mix and pastel sprinkles along with the M&Ms.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Swap half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips.
White Chocolate Version: Replace semi sweet chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Mini Egg Bars: Use chocolate mini eggs in place of M&Ms for extra crunch and color.
Final Thoughts
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars fit perfectly into the rhythm of spring gatherings, school celebrations, and family weekends. They bring color to the table without adding stress to the baking process, which always feels like a small win during busy seasons.
From casual potlucks to holiday dessert trays, these bars manage to feel festive and familiar at the same time. With their soft centers, colorful tops, and simple preparation, they continue to be a dependable dessert that disappears faster than expected.
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounces
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter M&M candies
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, including the corners.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in Easter M&M candies and semi sweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing gently into the corners.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden and set in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares.
