From-scratch dessert recipes are a specialty, but from time to time, I like to use boxed cake mix because it adds a party-perfect cake batter flavor to various treats. In fact, boxed cake mix gives us that unparalleled nostalgic flavor in my reader-favorite cake batter chocolate chip cookies and cake batter Oreo cookies. And we’ll do the same thing here!
Why Cake Batter Blondies Are a Must-Bake
Soft, thick, and chewy texture, like these popular chocolate chip cookies Filled with colorful sprinkles and sweet white chocolate chips Made with only 6 ingredients, including yellow or vanilla box cake mix Simple 1-bowl recipe No electric mixer required Quick 5 minutes to prep, 25–30 minutes to bake Since they’re baked in a pan, there’s no dough chilling required—just like these M&M cookie bars
Plus, they’re super easy to slice and transport, making them a convenient (and crowd-pleasing) choice for birthday parties, office potlucks, neighborhood get-togethers, or any celebration that calls for sprinkles.
Store-Bought Box Cake Mix Is Key
Grab a box of cake mix from the baking aisle to use in these blondies. A homemade mix of dry ingredients from, say, yellow cake or confetti cake, wouldn’t work quite the same way here. I usually reach for yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix. Some readers have reported using lemon cake mix and chocolate cake mix (for an ooey-gooey treat that hovers somewhere in the middle of chocolate cake and homemade brownies) in this recipe with success. I imagine any box cake mix will work fine! (Although steer clear of more delicate cake mixes, like angel food cake.)
Other Ingredients in Cake Batter Blondies
What differentiates these blondies from cake (because we’re using cake mix) is the careful selection and ratio of other ingredients in the batter. You need the following:
Vegetable or Canola Oil: Oil keeps the blondies moist and chewy. Egg: For rich flavor, and to bind together the other ingredients. Milk: To help thin out the batter (although it will still be quite thick, as blondie batter should be). Sprinkles: Because no cake batter-inspired treat is complete without sprinkles! See “Success Tips” box below for a note on the best sprinkles to use in cake batter blondies. White Chocolate Chips: These add a wonderful texture. I use the cake mix/white chocolate duo in my cake batter chocolate chip cookies, too. Feel free to swap with another type of baking morsel if desired, like regular chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.
If you’re not into blondies and are looking for more of a traditional cookie bar, try my frosted sugar cookie bars. They’re just as fun—and include frosting!
More Blondies, Brownies, & Bars
Peanut Butter Blondies Oatmeal Lemon Crumble Bars S’mores Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars Cookies & Cream Brownies
