Some recipes feel like a shortcut to indulgence without compromising on flavor—and these Cake Mix Toffee Bars deliver exactly that. Think buttery layers, gooey toffee richness, and a touch of crisp from every golden bite, all made with pantry staples and a few chef-level tips.
Inspired by European café treats but simplified with a Southern twist, this recipe channels that “holiday-abroad” sweetness, without ever leaving your kitchen.
Using cake mix as a base cuts prep time, while brown sugar caramelization and a quick oven finish offer bakery-quality results. It’s the kind of dish that sparks curiosity—and gives you a reason to keep exploring flavor pairings around the world.
Perfect For a Celebratory Moment!
- I first made these bars during a stormy weekend—nothing beats the warm toffee smell drifting through the house. You’ll appreciate the cozy factor.
- They’ve become my quick fix for potlucks when time’s tight but I still want to show up with something special.
- I’ve swapped in dark chocolate chips or chopped pecans depending on the crowd, and it’s always a hit.
- Bonus: they actually helped curb my cravings for heavier desserts—just one bar satisfies that sweet tooth.
- The sweet-crunchy texture and buttery base? Let’s just say they taste ridiculously good.
Cake Mix Toffee Bars Recipe
These gooey, golden bars are a delightful mashup of buttery cake, melty toffee bits, and sweetened condensed milk—all baked to perfection. With minimal prep and major flavor, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat you can whip up in no time using pantry staples.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Whisk or fork
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetned condensed milk
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 bags of choccolate toffee bits
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°C and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cake mix with melted butter and an egg until well combined.
- Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the greased dish.
- Scatter chocolate toffee bits across the surface, making sure they’re spread out.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a spoon to gently spread the condensed milk so it doesn’t displace the toffee bits.
- Try adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture boost.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 220kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fibre | 0.5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 20g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use room temperature ingredients – The egg and butter blend better when not cold, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Melt butter in the microwave – Save time by melting the butter directly in a microwave-safe bowl (about 30 seconds).
- Mix directly in the baking dish – If you line the dish with parchment and don’t mind a rustic look, you can skip an extra bowl.
- Use an offset spatula – It helps press the base evenly and spread condensed milk smoothly over the top without disturbing the layers.
- Spray hands with cooking spray – When pressing the dough, lightly spray your hands to prevent sticking.
