Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars – Simple, Chewy, and Delicious

This post may contain affiliate links. For more, see our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Sometimes, the best Easter treats are the ones that come together fast but still look like a little burst of celebration. These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars hit that perfect note soft, chewy, colorful, and just sweet enough to make everyone smile. You only need one bowl, one pan, and a few pantry staples to bake something that feels homemade and full of spring joy.

You’ll love these bars because they’re easy, festive, and foolproof. The shortcut cake mix saves time without skimping on taste. They bake up chewy inside and golden at the edges. The pastel M&Ms melt slightly, adding pops of color and crunch. These cookie bars are great for bake sales, brunch spreads, or last-minute Easter gatherings. They also freeze beautifully and can be adapted with different candy colors for other holidays.

Ingredient Breakdown and Purpose

Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This base gives structure and a buttery sweetness, so you skip measuring flour, sugar, and leaveners.
Eggs (2 large): They bind everything and keep the bars rich and chewy.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness no dry crumbs here.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a sweet bakery-style aroma.
Easter M&M candies (1 cup): The fun part! These candies add color, crunch, and a festive Easter look.

All the simple ingredients you need for soft, chewy Easter cake mix cookie bars.

Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so the bars release cleanly after cooling.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth and thick. The batter should pull away from the sides of the bowl easily.

Add the Easter M&Ms

Fold in the M&Ms gently so they stay intact. Make sure the candies are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a colorful bite every time.

Spread and Bake

Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use the back of your spoon or slightly oiled fingers to smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center looks set.

Unbaked Easter cake mix cookie bar batter in glass baking dish with pastel M&Ms
Unbaked Easter cake mix cookie bar batter ready to go in the oven, topped with pastel M&Ms and chocolate chips.

Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling allows them to firm up and makes clean, neat squares.

Press the batter evenly to help the bars bake uniformly. Don’t overbake they’ll continue to set as they cool. For cleaner slices, chill the pan briefly before cutting. You can swap the Easter M&Ms for red and green ones at Christmas or orange and brown for fall. These bars also taste great with chopped chocolate eggs or sprinkles mixed in.

Texture, Flavor, and Serving Suggestions

These cookie bars have a soft, chewy bite with a hint of vanilla and a buttery finish. The M&Ms give tiny bursts of crunch and sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or coffee after brunch. You can stack them on dessert boards, wrap them in clear bags with ribbons for gifts, or pack them into lunchboxes for a cheerful treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes they’ll taste just as soft and chewy as fresh.

More Such Recipes

Man holding chewy Easter cake mix cookie bar with pastel M&Ms
A freshly baked Easter cake mix cookie bar filled with pastel M&Ms and chocolate chips, ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Easter baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are proof quick, colorful, and completely irresistible. They bring joy to every spring table, whether you’re sharing them at brunch or sneaking a square straight from the pan.

For more sweet inspiration, check out our Pinterest boards at Kai Recipes or connect with us on Facebook.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Soft chewy Easter cake mix cookie bars with pastel M&Ms and chocolate chips

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars – Simple, Chewy, and Delicious


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy, and full of pastel M&Ms, these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a quick and festive dessert perfect for parties or last-minute baking. A colorful treat made with just one bowl and one pan!


Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

2 large eggs

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Easter M&M candies


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.

3. Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.

4. Fold in the Easter M&Ms until evenly distributed.

5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until center is set and edges are golden.

7. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use a 9×13-inch pan for even baking.

Press the batter evenly into the pan for the best texture.

Let bars cool completely for clean slices.

Texture is soft and chewy.

Fun and festive for Easter, potlucks, or gifting.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Easter Desserts Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star