Get ready to indulge in a heavenly treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you reaching for seconds! Our Gooey Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the ultimate combination of soft, chewy, and gooey, featuring a decadent mix of chocolate chips, butterscotch or peanut butter chips, and a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk. With the convenience of a cake mix as the base, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delightful world of gooey goodness!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz.) box white cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Topping
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, canola oil, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until well combined and a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch or peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture over the layer of dough in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the condensed milk layer, covering it as much as possible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into bars.
- Serve and enjoy these gooey, indulgent cake mix cookie bars!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Fruity Flavor: Mix in dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart contrast to the gooeyness of the bars.
- Customized Chips: Experiment with different types of chips such as white chocolate, milk chocolate, or caramel chips to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Layered Delight: Create layers of different flavored chips or swirls of caramel or chocolate sauce between the dough for added complexity and visual appeal.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix such as chocolate, yellow, or strawberry to create variations of these cookie bars.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty.
Q: How should I store the leftover bars? A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of these Gooey Cake Mix Cookie Bars, you can use a low-carb cake mix and sugar-free chocolate and peanut butter chips. Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a keto-friendly condensed milk alternative made with coconut milk and erythritol. Additionally, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of white cake mix, and swap the canola oil with melted coconut oil or butter.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version, follow the instructions for the keto version and adjust the sweeteners and flours according to your dietary preferences. You can also reduce the amount of chocolate and peanut butter chips to lower the carb content further.
In conclusion, our Gooey Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the convenience of a cake mix with the irresistible gooeyness of sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. With endless possibilities for customization and variations, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or dessert, these indulgent bars are sure to become a family favorite. So, whip up a batch today and indulge in the gooey goodness of these irresistible cake mix cookie bars!
