Nina Johnson
Sweet, buttery, and rich with toffee flavor, these Cake Mix Toffee Bars are the shortcut dessert you’ll find yourself making on repeat. With a golden crust made from yellow cake mix and a gooey caramel-chocolate center loaded with chopped nuts, each bite offers a blend of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth decadence.
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, prepping a holiday tray, or just need a fuss-free dessert fix, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The secret? A boxed cake mix base that tastes anything but store-bought. It’s comfort food in dessert form.
What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?
Stick with a classic yellow cake mix for a rich, buttery base that lets the toffee flavor shine. Brands like Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, or Pillsbury all work great. Avoid ones labeled “extra moist” or with pudding added, as those can make the crust too soft.
Ingredients for the Cake Mix Toffee Bars
Yellow Cake Mix
The foundation of the crust, providing structure and buttery sweetness.
Butter
Melted and mixed into the cake mix, it adds richness and helps bind the crust.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Creates the luscious caramel-like layer that holds everything together.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Melt slightly as the bars bake, creating a fudgy contrast to the toffee.
Toffee Bits
Add crunch, buttery flavor, and that irresistible toffee texture.
Chopped Nuts (like pecans or almonds)
For extra crunch and flavor—toasted if you want to level up.
How To Make the Cake Mix Toffee Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Goodness
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the crust. Then evenly distribute the toffee bits and chopped nuts across the top.
Step 3: Pour the Caramel Magic
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk slowly and evenly over the entire layered mixture. Try to cover all areas for an even bake and gooey texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is bubbling slightly. The bars will firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes after cooling.
Serving and Storing These Bars
These bars are perfect for serving at room temperature once they’ve set. Arrange them on a dessert tray or stack them up for a rustic sweet tower. Their texture shines best when cool but not cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to prevent the toffee from getting too soft. Just let them come back to room temp before serving for optimal gooeyness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is classic, butter pecan or even spice cake mix can add a unique twist.
Do I have to use nuts?
Not at all. You can skip the nuts entirely or replace them with shredded coconut or crushed pretzels for a salty touch.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that your other ingredients (especially toffee bits) are certified gluten-free.
Can these be frozen?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, cut into squares, and freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
Not exactly—it’s essential for the texture and caramelization. Evaporated milk or cream won’t yield the same results.
Cake Mix Toffee Bars
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minute
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
Description
These Cake Mix Toffee Bars are everything a quick homemade dessert should be: rich, gooey, buttery, and loaded with chocolate and nuts. Starting with a box of yellow cake mix, this treat comes together with just a few pantry staples to deliver sweet satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix yellow cake mix and melted butter in a large bowl until crumbly dough forms.
- Press dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, toffee bits, and chopped nuts evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and center bubbles.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. Chill for neater slices.
Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?
If you’re loving these Cake Mix Toffee Bars, don’t miss out on these other irresistible treats:
- Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for a nutty green twist.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes with a fruity cream cheese swirl.
- Triple Chocolate Banana Bread for a rich, fudgy slice.
- Oreo-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls if you’re craving gooey cookies and spice.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use walnuts or pecans? Maybe a drizzle of caramel on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
