Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Fold in half the sprinkles.
Step 3: Press and Sprinkle
- Press dough evenly into prepared pan using clean hands or a spatula.
- Top with remaining sprinkles, gently pressing them into the surface.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set (don’t overbake!).
Step 5: Cool and Cut
- Let cool completely in pan.
- Slice into bars and serve!
Notes
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Chip Patriot Bars: Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips. Strawberry Shortcake Bars: Use strawberry cake mix and white chocolate drizzle. Confetti Blast: Use funfetti mix instead of plain vanilla. Extra Sweet: Top with cream cheese frosting and more sprinkles once cooled. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix with same measurements. 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 1 week. Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving. Make-Ahead: Bake and cool bars the night before your event—flavor improves overnight! ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use any cake mix flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, funfetti, lemon, or strawberry work great. How do I keep the bars from getting too dry?
Don’t overbake—check at the 20-minute mark. Edges should be golden, center just set. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–7 minutes. Are these chewy or cakey?
They’re chewy on the inside with a soft cake-like bite on the edges. Can I add frosting?
Yes—cream cheese or buttercream is perfect once bars are cooled. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not necessary, unless you use frosting or live in a hot/humid area. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, substitute melted butter with ½ cup vegetable oil. What’s the best way to cut these cleanly?
Let them cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. Can I add food coloring?
Sure—dye the batter red or blue for more color fun. Are these good for bake sales or parties?
100%! They're easy to portion, travel well, and are super eye-catching
🏁 Conclusion
These 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert—chewy, sweet, and packed with red, white, and blue sprinkle fun. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want a quick festive treat, these bars deliver fireworks-level flavor with minimal effort. Simple enough for beginner bakers and festive enough to impress a crowd, they’ll fly off the table faster than you can say “Happy 4th!”
Chocolate Chip Patriot Bars: Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips. Strawberry Shortcake Bars: Use strawberry cake mix and white chocolate drizzle. Confetti Blast: Use funfetti mix instead of plain vanilla. Extra Sweet: Top with cream cheese frosting and more sprinkles once cooled. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix with same measurements. 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 1 week. Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving. Make-Ahead: Bake and cool bars the night before your event—flavor improves overnight! ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use any cake mix flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, funfetti, lemon, or strawberry work great. How do I keep the bars from getting too dry?
Don’t overbake—check at the 20-minute mark. Edges should be golden, center just set. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–7 minutes. Are these chewy or cakey?
They’re chewy on the inside with a soft cake-like bite on the edges. Can I add frosting?
Yes—cream cheese or buttercream is perfect once bars are cooled. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not necessary, unless you use frosting or live in a hot/humid area. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, substitute melted butter with ½ cup vegetable oil. What’s the best way to cut these cleanly?
Let them cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. Can I add food coloring?
Sure—dye the batter red or blue for more color fun. Are these good for bake sales or parties?
100%! They're easy to portion, travel well, and are super eye-catching
🏁 Conclusion
These 4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert—chewy, sweet, and packed with red, white, and blue sprinkle fun. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want a quick festive treat, these bars deliver fireworks-level flavor with minimal effort. Simple enough for beginner bakers and festive enough to impress a crowd, they’ll fly off the table faster than you can say “Happy 4th!”