Pioneer Woman Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Pioneer Woman Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a fun and easy treat made with vanilla cake mix and loaded with colorful candy. These chewy cookie bars bake up golden and soft in just 30 minutes, making them the perfect go-to for parties, potlucks, or an after-school surprise. With rainbow sprinkles, candy-coated chocolates, and vanilla morsels in every bite, they’re festive, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

• Quick and foolproof: No fancy baking steps—just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy.
• Bright and festive: Sprinkles and colorful candy make these bars perfect for any celebration.
• Customizable fun: Change up the mix-ins to match any holiday or theme.
• Great for kids and adults alike: Sweet, chewy, and totally irresistible.

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Cake Mix Cookie Bars Ingredients

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla cake mix
• ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
• ½ cup mini candy-coated chocolate candies
• ½ cup vanilla morsels (such as Nestlé Unicorn Morsels)
• Nonstick baking spray for greasing pan

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How to Make Pioneer Woman Cake Mix Cookie Bars

1. Slice & serve: Cut into 16 equal bars and enjoy!
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
3. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, milk, salt, and eggs. Stir until a thick batter forms.
4. Fold in the fun: In a separate bowl, mix the sprinkles, candy-coated chocolates, and vanilla morsels. Fold about two-thirds into the batter.
5. Pour & spread: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
6. Top & bake: Sprinkle the remaining candy mix on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
7. Cool completely: Let bars cool in the pan for about an hour before slicing.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Melted butter makes mixing easier and helps create a chewy texture.
• Use an offset spatula to smooth the batter for even baking.
• Don’t overbake—the bars should be just set in the middle for a soft bite.
• Let cool fully before cutting for cleaner slices and less crumbling.

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Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Overload: Use chocolate cake mix, add chocolate chips, and top with mini marshmallows.
• Birthday Bash Bars: Swap vanilla morsels for white chocolate chips and add crushed animal cookies.
• Trail Mix Twist: Mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate.
• Minty Fresh: Add mint chips or crushed peppermint candies for a holiday feel.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Stir in peanut butter chips and swirl in melted peanut butter on top.

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Storage Instructions

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Fridge: Wrap tightly or use a sealed bag; bars will keep for up to 1 week.
• In the Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

How to Reheat Cake Mix Cookie Bars

• Oven: Place bars on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
  Absolutely! Chocolate, funfetti, or lemon cake mix work beautifully with this base recipe.
• Can these be made ahead of time?
  Yes. Bake, cool, and store—they’ll taste great for days or freeze well for later.
• What size pan should I use?
  A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for even, sliceable bars with the right thickness.
• Why are my bars crumbly or dry?
  This can happen if overbaked or if there’s not enough fat. Use the full amount of butter and don’t overmix or overbake.
• Why didn’t my bars rise well?
  It’s likely due to an expired cake mix. Be sure to check dates for freshness.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars
• Pioneer Woman Milky Way Cake
• Pioneer Woman Beet Brownies

Pioneer Woman Cake Mix Cookie Bars Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 271
• Total Fat 12g
• Saturated Fat 7g
• Cholesterol 47mg
• Sodium 246mg
• Carbohydrates 35g
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugar 11g
• Protein 3g