Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe

I love desserts that feel decadent but don’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s why I adore these cake mix toffee bars recipe. They come together in just a few simple steps, yet each bite delivers buttery sweetness, a chewy texture, and that irresistible toffee crunch.

I first made them on a busy weeknight when I craved something sweet but didn’t want to spend too much time baking—and they instantly became a favorite. Whether I serve them at a casual get-together or enjoy one with my afternoon coffee, they never disappoint.

These bars are perfect for anyone who wants a rich, satisfying dessert without the fuss of making cake from scratch. I’m excited to share my version with you, complete with tips, variations, and serving ideas so you can make them your own.

How To Make Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Yield: 24 bars

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups toffee bits (such as Heath bits or chopped toffee)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.

3. Press into Pan

Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

4. Add Toffee Bits

Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the dough layer.

5. Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the toffee bits, ensuring they are well-coated.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 20 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Calcium: 40 mg

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these cake mix toffee bars recipe warm, right out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it makes them feel like a special treat even on a regular day.

Sometimes, I drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars to take them to the next level. They also pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack.

If I’m bringing them to a party, I cut them into small squares and arrange them on a platter, letting everyone grab a sweet bite without any fuss.

Tips and Variations

When I make these bars, I like to keep a few tricks in mind to get the best results:

• Even Layering: I press the cake mix dough evenly into the pan so every bite has the perfect balance of cake and toffee.
• Butter Matters: Using melted butter makes the base richer and helps the dough hold together better.
• Watch the Bake Time: I keep a close eye on the edges—they should turn golden brown. Overbaking can make the bars dry.

For some fun variations, I often experiment with:

• Chocolate Twist: Adding ½ cup of chocolate chips gives a double layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the toffee.
• Nutty Crunch: I sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the toffee for extra texture and flavor.
• Flavor Swap: Switching the yellow cake mix to chocolate or spice cake mix creates a different, but equally delicious, version.
• Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, I drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for an extra indulgent finish.

These little tweaks let me personalize the bars every time I make them, keeping them exciting and perfect for any occasion.

Health Benefits

I know these cake mix toffee bars recipe are definitely an indulgence, but they do offer a few small benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

The sweetened condensed milk provides a bit of calcium, which is good for my bones, and the combination of carbohydrates and fats gives a quick energy boost—perfect when I need a treat that doubles as a little pick-me-up.

I also like that by adding optional nuts, I can sneak in some healthy fats and protein without compromising the flavor. While I enjoy them as a dessert, I always remind myself that moderation is key, so I can savor each bite guilt-free.

Note

• Make-Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Conclusion

I love how these cake mix toffee bars recipe are both simple and indulgent. With just a few pantry staples, I can create a dessert that’s chewy, buttery, and full of sweet toffee goodness.

They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth on a busy day, sharing at a party, or enjoying with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. Every time I make them, I find myself sneaking an extra piece because they’re just that irresistible.

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that doesn’t require hours of effort, I promise these bars will become one of your go-to recipes too.