Save These indulgent bars start with a simple yellow cake mix base, pressed into a pan and partially baked. The warm foundation gets topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt into a rich layer, then sprinkled generously with crunchy toffee bits and optional pecans. After a second bake, the topping becomes slightly bubbly and golden while the edges crisp up beautifully.
The result is a perfect balance of textures—buttery and chewy base, smooth melted chocolate, and crunchy toffee pieces throughout. Ready in just 35 minutes with only 10 minutes of active prep, these bars are ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or when a sweet craving strikes. A sprinkle of sea salt after baking elevates the flavors even further.
Last Tuesday, my sister called at 7 PM desperate for a last-minute dessert for her book club meeting. I rummaged through the pantry, found a forgotten cake mix box, and decided to experiment. Those women raved about the bars for three days straight, and now they're my emergency backup for every gathering.
I once made these for a church potluck and watched two teenagers argue over the last crumbly corner piece. The combination of melted chocolate and crunchy toffee creates this irresistible texture that keeps people coming back for seconds, thirds, and honestly fourths.
Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: The secret shortcut that yields consistently tender, buttery results every single time
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a rich, chewy base that holds everything together beautifully
- Large egg: Binds the dough while adding structure and richness to the base layer
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect balance of sweetness that complements without overwhelming the toffee
- Toffee bits: These buttery, crunchy pieces are the star that makes these bars absolutely addictive
- Chopped pecans: Optional but adds a lovely nutty crunch and extra layer of texture
Instructions
- Prepare your kitchen:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9x13 inch pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the dough:
- Combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl, mixing until soft dough forms and no dry pockets remain.
- Press and pre-bake:
- Press dough evenly into prepared pan and bake 15 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Add the chocolate:
- Remove from oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over hot base, wait 2-3 minutes for melting, then gently spread with spatula.
- Top it off:
- Sprinkle toffee bits and pecans evenly over melted chocolate.
- Finish baking:
- Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until toppings bubble slightly and edges turn golden.
- Cool completely:
- Let bars cool completely in pan before cutting into squares.
Save My neighbor's daughter now requests these for every birthday instead of cake. Something about that perfect ratio of chocolate to toffee just makes people feel cared for in a way store-bought desserts never quite achieve.
Getting the Texture Right
The key is pressing the dough firmly but not too hard into your pan. I've found using the bottom of a measuring cup helps create an even layer that bakes uniformly, giving you that ideal chewy-crisp texture.
Make It Your Own
During fall, I swap pecans for walnuts and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. The variations are endless, and each little tweak feels like discovering a new favorite recipe all over again.
Storage and Serving
These bars actually taste better the second day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container and they will stay fresh for up to five days, though they rarely last that long in my house.
- Serve slightly warmed for maximum gooey factor
- A small pinch of flaky salt on top transforms them completely
- Package individual bars in wax paper for thoughtful homemade gifts
Save There is something deeply satisfying about turning a simple box mix into something that feels homemade and special. Happy baking, friend.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
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Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with butter, chocolate, or spice cake mix for different flavor variations. Each will create a slightly different taste profile while maintaining the same chewy texture.
- → How should I store these toffee bars?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The bars will remain chewy and fresh. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make these without pecans?
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Absolutely. The pecans are optional and can be omitted entirely. You can also substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor or want to maintain the crunch factor.
- → Why do I need to let them cool completely before cutting?
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Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the chocolate set properly and makes cutting easier. If cut while warm, the chocolate will smear and the bars may fall apart. Patience ensures clean, neat squares.
- → Can I double this recipe?
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You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9x13 inch pans. Keep the baking time similar but watch for doneness as the thickness may vary slightly depending on your pan choice.
