Cake Mix Toffee Bars

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars transform simple ingredients into a decadent treat that vanishes from the dessert table in minutes. With just five ingredients—yellow cake mix, eggs, butter, toffee bits, and sweetened condensed milk—you can create a rich, chewy dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination creates perfect layers of buttery crust, crunchy toffee bits, and a gooey caramelized topping that's impossible to resist.

The first time I made these for a neighborhood potluck, I returned home with an empty dish and multiple requests for the recipe. My brother-in-law, who claims he doesn't have a sweet tooth, ate three pieces before dinner even started!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 box yellow cake mix - Forms the perfect buttery base that holds everything together; choose a quality brand for best flavor
• 1 egg - Binds the crust ingredients and adds structure; room temperature works best
• 6 Tbsp butter, melted - Creates a rich, tender texture in the crust; unsalted allows you to control the saltiness
• 2 (8-oz) bags chocolate toffee bits - Provides that irresistible crunch and caramel flavor; find these near the chocolate chips
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk - Transforms during baking into a creamy caramel-like layer that brings everything together

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare your baking space:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray, making sure to get the corners where bars tend to stick the most. A light-colored metal pan works best for even baking.

Create the perfect base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until just combined—overmixing will make the crust tough. The mixture will be thick and somewhat crumbly, resembling cookie dough.

Form the foundation:

Press the cake mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even layer that reaches all corners.

Add the star ingredient:

Sprinkle both bags of chocolate toffee bits evenly across the cake mixture surface, creating a generous layer of crunchy goodness.

Create the magic topping:

Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the toffee bits, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. The milk will seep through during baking.

Bake to perfection:

Place the baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool completely:

Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature. This cooling process is crucial as it allows the layers to set properly.

The kitchen fills with the most incredible buttery caramel aroma while these bake—better than any scented candle I've ever bought!

I particularly love the toffee bits in this recipe. They remind me of the English toffee my grandmother used to make during the holidays. When my children were younger, making these bars became our special Friday tradition—they would sprinkle the toffee bits while I poured the condensed milk.

Cutting these bars immediately after baking creates a gooey texture that's delicious but messy. The texture transforms when chilled, becoming more structured and fudge-like, making them perfect for transporting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can serve it at casual cookouts or elegant dinner parties. I've found they pair wonderfully with coffee for morning gatherings and ice cream for evening desserts.

Many people wonder about substituting different cake mix flavors. While yellow cake provides the classic buttery base, chocolate cake mix creates a brownie-like version that chocolate lovers adore. My neighbor experimented with spice cake mix during fall, and the combination with toffee was unexpectedly perfect.

Storage becomes important if you're planning ahead. These bars will keep for up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though they rarely last that long in my house!

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Chef's Helpful Tips:

• Line your baking dish with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and cutting
• Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean, sharp edges—I use a plastic knife which surprisingly works better than metal
• Press down slightly on the toffee bits before pouring the condensed milk to help them adhere to the base layer

These Cake Mix Toffee Bars have become my signature dessert over the years. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious with so little effort. The contrast between the buttery crust and the sweet, crunchy topping creates a perfect harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more—so make sure to double the recipe the first time around!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, try chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a different twist.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the toffee bits are gluten-free.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch.