Why You’ll Love These Toffee Bars

Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have these toffee bars ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cake mix, chocolate chips, toffee bits, and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, gooey, and satisfying treat.
Versatile: These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday, party, or a casual treat at home.
Customizable: Add nuts or change up the chocolate for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

To make Cake Mix Toffee Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Mix the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the ingredients are blended and a thick batter forms.

3. Spread the Base:

Press about 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the base layer. The remaining batter will be used for the topping.

4. Add Chocolate and Toffee:

Sprinkle the chocolate chips and toffee bits evenly over the base layer. If you’re using nuts, add them on top as well.

5. Prepare the Topping:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chocolate and toffee layers.

6. Top It Off:

Crumble the remaining batter over the condensed milk layer by breaking it into small pieces for an even topping.

7. Bake:

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary.

8. Cool and Cut:

Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 15 bars.

9. Serve:

Enjoy these delightful toffee bars warm or at room temperature! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 15 bars
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per bar

Variations

Add Nuts: You can add pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cake mix, dairy-free butter, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan version.
Different Chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the toffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating: You can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can use a vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cake mix to create different flavor variations for your toffee bars.

2. Can I skip the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make these bars without nuts, or replace them with another ingredient, like dried fruit or granola, for a different texture.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these toffee bars up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or honey with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or stevia for a different type of sweetness.

5. Can I freeze the toffee bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I use a different type of condensed milk?

Yes, you can use coconut condensed milk as a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

7. Can I make this recipe without the condensed milk?

If you don’t have condensed milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and sugar boiled together to create a caramelized, thickened mixture.

8. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Definitely! You can add more chocolate chips if you like your bars extra chocolatey, or try mixing in peanut butter chips for a different flavor.

9. How do I prevent the bars from becoming too gooey?

Ensure you bake the bars for the full time to let the center set properly. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake for a few extra minutes.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, or make two batches to serve a larger group.

Conclusion

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars offer the perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness with the sweetness of chocolate and toffee, all packed into an easy-to-make treat. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Make a batch today and enjoy a deliciously simple indulgence that will please everyone!