M&M Snack Cake Bars

Part cake, part bar, all delicious. These bars are all that's right in the world and were super simple to put together after I got our little guy down for the night. My evening baking time is limited since we have a pretty regular routine getting Logan to bed, so finding quick recipes that can be completed in the time before I hit the pillow is imperative. And this one isn't only quick, but delicious. The bars are soft, but not overly cakey. Like the perfect cross between cake and cookie and blondie. Perfect texture and not crumbly. Now the base is perfect for just about any sort of mix in, but really chocolate chips and mini M&Ms solidifies these bars as a great snack. The only thing better would have been to add sprinkles (it is cake after all) and get some funfetti action up in these tasty treats. There's always next time.

Searching for a quick bar to make, I came across this recipe from Crissy at Parent Pretty. The recipe is awesome and a great starting point for all kinds of options. I actually have another idea in mind that I'm hoping to whip up next week. Stay posted. Starting with a boxed cake mix and a pudding mix, this all comes together in one bowl with one spatula and one pan. Totally fits the bill to bake in the evening since it was baked, cooled, cut into bars AND the dishes were cleaned up well before I got in my PJs. To Crissy's recipe, I added extra chocolate chips. Because chocolate chips. And I used semi-sweet since the mini M&Ms were milk chocolate, just to get a bit of variety in there. My pudding mix was sugar free since we're just looking to add the consistency and flavor to these bars, not extra sugar or sweetness (hello, I amped up the chocolate chips--spend your extra sweetness wisely). Can't wait to try other variations of these awesome bars!

M&M Snack Cake Bars

Ingredients

16.5 ounce box yellow cake mix
1 ounce sugar free vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini M&Ms

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and pudding mix.

Add vegetable oil, water and eggs and stir to combine, creating a thick batter.

Stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms to distribute throughout.

Transfer batter to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan and smooth to an even layer.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-27 minutes or until top is set, edges start to turn golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean of crumbs.

Remove from oven and cool in pan on wire rack.

Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 24 bars.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

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