4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars

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by Nora

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4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat for your Independence Day celebrations. This easy dessert recipe combines just four simple ingredients to create deliciously chewy cookie bars. With the vibrant colors of M&M’s, these bars not only taste great but also add a pop of color to your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a picnic, these cookie bars are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie BarsPIN THIS!PIN THIS!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time.
  • Festive Appeal: The colorful M&M’s make these cookie bars a visually appealing addition to any 4th of July gathering.
  • Versatile Treat: These bars can be enjoyed year-round by simply changing the type of candy used.
  • Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for kids to help make, creating fun family memories in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these cookie bars are ideal for potlucks or neighborhood gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

  • 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cookie bars, ensuring they cook through properly.
  • Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl allows plenty of space for mixing all your ingredients without spills.
  • Spatula: Use this tool to easily spread the batter in the pan and later cut the bars into neat squares.

Ingredients

To make your delicious 4th of July Cookie Bars, you will need:

Main Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups M&M’s

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, large eggs, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Add M&M’s

Fold in the M&M’s, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly in the pan. Using the parchment paper, lift out the cookie bars and cut them into squares. Enjoy!

Serving 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars can be a fun way to celebrate. These colorful treats are perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed in various creative ways.

Individual Servings

  • Cut into Squares: Simply slice the cookie bars into squares for easy serving.
  • Add Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
  • Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture.

Festive Displays

  • Use Red, White, and Blue Plates: Present the cookie bars on themed plates to enhance the patriotic vibe.
  • Create a Dessert Bar: Set up a station with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and extra M&Ms for guests to customize their bars.

Pairing Beverages

  • Serve with Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade complements the sweetness of the cookie bars well.
  • Offer Iced Tea: A chilled iced tea can balance out the sugary treat nicely.
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To achieve the best results with your 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars, follow these handy tips.

  • Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in texture and flavor.
  • Boldly Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix until fully combined to avoid dry pockets in the batter.
  • Boldly Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper helps with easy removal and clean-up.
  • Boldly Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; overbaking can lead to dryness.
  • Boldly Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.

Pairing side dishes with your 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars can enhance your festive celebration. Here are some delicious options:

  1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries and melons offers a refreshing contrast to sweet cookie bars.
  2. Bold Grilled Veggies: Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add a savory element that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
  3. Bold Potato Salad: Classic potato salad provides a hearty side that complements any summer gathering.
  4. Bold Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a seasonal favorite that pairs well with desserts during outdoor events.
  5. Bold Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and flavor diversity to your meal spread.
  6. Bold Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a tasty appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

  • Ignoring the baking time: Baking for too long can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they are golden at the edges.
  • Not using parchment paper: Skipping this step makes it difficult to remove the bars from the pan. Always line your pan for easy lifting and cutting.
  • Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
  • Using cold ingredients: Cold butter can affect how well your bars bake. Make sure your butter is softened before mixing.
  • Skipping the eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. Never omit them, as this can impact the final texture of your cookie bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • The bars can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
  • Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
  • Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
  • Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat and cover until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

These cookie bars are a festive dessert made with yellow cake mix, eggs, butter, and M&Ms, perfect for Independence Day celebrations.

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or swap M&Ms with other candies to suit your taste.

The edges should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Yes! You can prepare and store them in advance; they stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days.

These colorful treats work great for birthday parties, summer picnics, or any festive gathering where you need a sweet treat!

Final Thoughts

The 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars offer an easy and delicious way to celebrate Independence Day. With just four ingredients, you can whip up these delightful treats quickly. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something sweet at home, these bars will impress everyone!

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4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars

4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars

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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
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Description

4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive treat perfect for your Independence Day celebrations. With just four simple ingredients, these chewy cookie bars come together quickly and are studded with vibrant M&M’s, adding a pop of color to your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a picnic, these easy-to-make dessert bars are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm with ice cream or let guests customize their portions at a dessert bar for a fun twist!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 2 cups M&M’s

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and melted butter; stir until well mixed.
  4. Fold in the M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (45g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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