Chocolate Cake Mix Bars
These Chocolate Cake Mix Bars combine the convenience of a cake mix with a rich, fudgy texture, creating an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix about 15.25 oz, choose a dairy-free and egg-free variety if needed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil like canola or sunflower
- 2 large eggs or use egg replacer to suit dietary needs
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup chocolate chips use dairy-free chocolate chips if preferred
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional, walnuts, pecans, or almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or nonstick spray.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and water until fully combined.
- Add the entire box of chocolate cake mix to the wet ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but spreadable.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts.
- Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the surface is smooth to ensure even baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Wire Rack
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy removal and less mess. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and chewy. For extra fudginess, reduce baking time slightly and check frequently. Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist. To make nut-free bars, omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Variations include peanut butter swirl, mint chocolate, mocha bars, fruit and nut additions, and using gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.