Best Cake Mix Toffee Bars

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery goodness and crunchy toffee flavor—all made ridiculously easy with a box of cake mix. These dessert bars are rich, sweet, and filled with bits of chocolate and toffee that melt into every bite. I make them when I need a crowd-pleasing treat in a hurry, and they never last long on the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and foolproof this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps, I can whip up a batch of indulgent dessert bars in no time. The cake mix gives them a soft, chewy base, while the chocolate chips and toffee bits create the perfect sweet crunch. They’re great for potlucks, bake sales, or anytime I want something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen—when I really didn’t.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow or butter cake mix

• Eggs

• Butter, melted

• Vanilla extract

• Toffee bits (Heath bits or similar)

• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

• Optional: chopped nuts for added crunch

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I mix the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until everything is fully combined into a thick dough.

3. I fold in the toffee bits and chocolate chips (and nuts if I’m using them).

4. I press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or my hands.

5. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

6. I let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. The longer they cool, the easier they are to slice cleanly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars, depending on how big I cut them. Prep time is just 10 minutes, and baking takes 25–30 minutes. Including cooling time, they’re ready to serve in just over an hour.

Variations

• I sometimes use chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor.

• For a salted twist, I sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top after baking.

• I’ve mixed in peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for something different.

• Swapping the toffee bits for chopped caramel candies gives them a gooey center.

• I use spice cake mix in the fall for a warm, seasonal version.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I need to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—I layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I want one, I just let it thaw at room temperature or give it a few seconds in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead?

Yes, I’ve made these with a homemade dry cake mix recipe and they turn out great. I just make sure the ratios match a standard 15.25-ounce box.

Do I need to use a mixer?

Nope, I mix everything by hand. The dough is thick but totally manageable with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I use a larger sheet pan and adjust the baking time slightly—usually about 5–10 extra minutes.

What kind of toffee bits work best?

I usually use Heath toffee bits. Both plain and the ones with milk chocolate coating work great.

How do I keep the bars from getting too hard?

I make sure not to overbake them. I pull them out when the center is just set and the edges are golden. They’ll firm up more as they cool.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Toffee Bars are one of those desserts I keep coming back to—they’re quick, delicious, and always a hit. I love how easy it is to play with flavors and mix-ins depending on what I have in the pantry. Whether I’m baking for a party, a potluck, or just to treat myself, these chewy, chocolatey bars always deliver the perfect bite.