As the holiday season approaches, the warmth of baking fills homes with delightful aromas and cherished memories. One recipe that encapsulates the joy of the season is the Holiday Cake Mix Bars. These scrumptious bars bring together the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter with a festive splash of sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings.
Why We Love This Holiday Cake Mix Bars Recipe
The magic of the Holiday Cake Mix Bars lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe walks you through every step without overwhelming you. With just a block of cream cheese, some butter, and a box of cake mix, you can whip up a delicious dessert that captures the spirit of the season.
These bars are not only great for holiday parties but also perfect for gifting. Their delightful taste and bright appearance make them a hit at any gathering. Plus, the addition of white chocolate chips provides a creamy richness that complements the holiday sprinkles beautifully. You’ll find that serving these bars will quickly become a favorite tradition in your home.
Ingredients for Holiday Cake Mix Bars
To make these delightful Holiday Cake Mix Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles, plus more for topping
Getting these ingredients will ensure you bake a batch that everyone will love.
How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Bars
Creating your Holiday Cake Mix Bars is an enjoyable process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious dessert.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is vital, so your cake bars bake evenly.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your bars do not stick to the pan, making it easier to cut and serve later.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cake Mix and Egg: Add the yellow cake mix and the egg to the creamy mixture. Continue beating until everything is well combined. This will create a rich batter that will form the basis of your bars.
- Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the holiday sprinkles. This is where the festive spirit shines through, as the sprinkles add brilliant color and fun to your batter.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking pan. If you love sprinkles, sprinkle more on top before baking.
- Bake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and allow the bars to bake for 37-42 minutes, or until the tops turn a golden brown. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with an enticing scent!
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cool, cut into bars, serve, and enjoy the delightful reactions!
With these directions, you’re well on your way to creating a sweet treat perfect for the holidays.
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Bars
Serving your Holiday Cake Mix Bars is just as important as preparing them! Once your bars are cool and cut, you have several options to present them beautifully:
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the bars on a festive platter. Consider alternating the bars with holiday-themed decorations or fresh fruits, like berries, to add a pop of color.
- Individual Wrapping: For a thoughtful touch, wrap individual bars in clear cellophane and tie them with a ribbon. These make lovely gifts or party favors that your guests will appreciate.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm and cold combination is simply irresistible.
- Coffee Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or holiday-themed drinks. The flavors complement one another perfectly.
Whichever serving method you choose, your Holiday Cake Mix Bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Expert Tips: Holiday Cake Mix Bars
Baking is both an art and a science, and a few expert tips can elevate your Holiday Cake Mix Bars to the next level:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese and butter. The flavor of these key ingredients significantly impacts the final taste of your bars.
- Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely to achieve the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture in your bars.
- Cool Down Time: Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from crumbling.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: If you want to switch things up, try adding different mix-ins like crushed nuts or dried fruits. This variation keeps the recipe fresh and exciting.
These tips will help you create the best possible holiday treat.
How to Store Holiday Cake Mix Bars
Proper storage will keep your Holiday Cake Mix Bars fresh and delicious for longer. Follow these guidelines to ensure they maintain their delightful taste:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars quickly, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They typically stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. They can last up to a week in the fridge when placed in an airtight container.
- Freezing: If you wish to keep the bars for an extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Following these storage tips will allow you to savor your Holiday Cake Mix Bars even after the celebrations have ended.
Variations of Holiday Cake Mix Bars
While the classic Holiday Cake Mix Bars are delightful on their own, consider these fun variations to impress your guests even more:
- Chocolate Cake Mix Bars: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate version to create a rich, chocolatey treat. You can still add white chocolate chips for a delicious contrast.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Edition: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and use mini chocolate chips for a festive mint chocolate chip flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter. Nuts add a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor.
- Fruit-Filled Bars: Fold in dried cranberries or other dried fruits for a burst of fruity goodness. This makes for a well-rounded treat that brightens any holiday table.
- Lemon Twist: For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest to your batter. This citrusy flavor balances the richness of the cream cheese and butter beautifully.
These variations not only keep the recipe fresh and exciting but also allow you to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
FAQs about Holiday Cake Mix Bars
What are Holiday Cake Mix Bars? Holiday Cake Mix Bars are a festive dessert made with cream cheese, butter, yellow cake mix, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. These bars are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
How long do Holiday Cake Mix Bars last? When stored properly, these bars can last 3-4 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and bake them on the day of your gathering, or you can bake them earlier and store them for later enjoyment.
What can I pair with Holiday Cake Mix Bars? These bars pair wonderfully with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re perfect for holiday desserts or snacks.
Can I customize the sprinkles for Holiday Cake Mix Bars? Absolutely! Feel free to use themed sprinkles that match your holiday décor or favorite colors. The sprinkles add a festive touch, and you can have fun mixing and matching.
Holiday Cake Mix Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 block 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Use high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted butter for better control of salt in the recipe.
- 1 box 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix Can substitute with chocolate cake mix for variation.
- 1 large egg Room temperature egg is best.
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Add for creaminess.
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles Plus more for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the cake mix and egg, beat until well combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 37-42 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooling
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!