This recipe for Easy Toffee Bars features a dense, buttery, cake mix base, a smooth, rich chocolate layer, and is topped with crunchy Heath toffee bits!
Irresistible Easy Toffee Bars: Your Go-To Cake Mix Dessert
Searching for a dessert that comes together in a flash, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? Look no further than these incredibly Easy Toffee Bars. Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. Unlike many traditional toffee recipes that rely on a saltine or graham cracker base, these bars feature a unique, firm, and wonderfully buttery cake-mix layer that provides a delightful texture and rich flavor. This recipe also yields a generous batch, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply to freeze some for a future sweet craving. Prepare to fall in love with this effortless, decadent dessert!
Why These Toffee Bars Are a Must-Try
What sets these Easy Toffee Bars apart from other dessert recipes? It’s their unmatched combination of speed, simplicity, and sublime flavor. In a world where gourmet desserts often demand extensive ingredient lists and intricate steps, these bars prove that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated. The foundation of a readily available cake mix transforms into a surprisingly robust and tender crust that perfectly complements the smooth, molten chocolate and the satisfying crunch of Heath toffee bits. This recipe is a fantastic departure from conventional toffee made with crackers, offering a richer, more cake-like experience that truly stands out. You’ll also appreciate how quickly you can whip up a batch, making them an ideal choice for last-minute entertaining or when a sudden sweet tooth strikes.
Mastering the Ingredients for Perfect Toffee Bars
The beauty of these Easy Toffee Bars lies in their straightforward ingredient list, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. However, understanding the role of each component can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time.
Essential Ingredients:
- White Cake Mix: This is the secret to our incredibly easy and flavorful base. While white cake mix creates the light, classic look, you can easily substitute it with a Yellow Cake Mix or vanilla cake mix. Be aware that this will alter the color of the base layer, but the taste will remain equally delightful. For an adventurous twist, consider a spice mix cake for a warm, aromatic flavor, or a chocolate cake mix to satisfy any chocolate lover’s dream. A butter cake mix would also introduce even more buttery notes, lending a subtle shortbread undertone to the finished bar.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for giving our cake mix base the perfect density and structure. Precision in measuring flour is crucial; over-measuring can lead to a dry, crumbly base that doesn’t hold together well. Many people tend to scoop flour directly from the bag, which compacts it, resulting in significantly more flour than intended. The best way to measure without a kitchen scale is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the flat edge of a knife. This method ensures an accurate and fluffy measure, preventing a dense and tough crust.
- Dark Brown Sugar: We love the deep, molasses-rich flavor that dark brown sugar imparts to these bars, adding a layer of complexity to the sweetness. If you only have light brown sugar on hand, feel free to use it; the bars will still be delicious, just with a slightly milder caramel note.
- Salt: A touch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate. It enhances all the other flavors without making the bars taste distinctly salty.
- Salted Butter: Contributes to the rich, buttery flavor of the base. Interestingly, salted butter contains only a small amount of salt (about ¼ teaspoon per stick), so the added salt in the recipe helps to cut through the overall sweetness without making it overly savory. If you prefer to use unsalted butter, simply add an extra ⅛ teaspoon of salt to the recipe to maintain that perfect flavor balance. Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the mix for optimal texture.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the crust together and add richness.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: These create a decadent, smooth chocolate layer that perfectly complements the toffee. Dark chocolate offers a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the base and toffee. However, if you prefer a sweeter topping, feel free to swap them out for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. You could even experiment with white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips for different flavor profiles, or swirl a combination for an appealing visual effect.
- Heath Toffee Pieces: The star of these bars! Heath toffee bits provide that signature buttery, crunchy, and slightly caramel-like texture. You can usually find them in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. If Heath bits are unavailable, any brand of toffee bits will work, or you can simply chop up a Heath bar. For a different crunch, consider using toasted walnuts or pecans in place of the toffee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Toffee Bars:
Crafting these delicious toffee bars is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half-sheet (18×13-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting, or spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray (the kind with flour is excellent for baking). This ensures your bars won’t stick and makes for a clean release.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and salt until they are well combined and no lumps remain. You can use a sturdy spoon, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or an electric hand mixer for this step.
- Form the Crumbly Dough: Add the slightly cooled melted salted butter and the large egg to the dry mixture. Mix until a crumbly, uniform dough forms. The mixture should resemble wet sand and be easily pressable.
- Press the Base: Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Using your hands, press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a firm, consistent layer. For an extra smooth and flat base, you might find it helpful to use a lightly floured rolling pin to gently flatten the dough.
- Bake the Base: Place the pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-baking, which could make the crust too hard.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: As soon as you remove the baked base from the oven, immediately and evenly sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the hot crust. The residual heat from the base will begin to melt the chocolate.
- Spread the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate chips to sit for about 4-5 minutes. By this point, they should be soft and melted. Use a butter knife or an offset spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate across the entire surface of the bars, creating a smooth, glossy layer.
- Sprinkle with Toffee: Immediately after spreading the chocolate, evenly sprinkle the Heath toffee pieces over the warm chocolate layer. Gently press them down if needed to help them adhere.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial for the chocolate to set properly and for the bars to firm up, making them easy to cut. Once cooled, slice into squares and savor every bite!
Common Questions About Easy Toffee Bars
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making these delightful toffee bars:
Will These Bars Taste Too Salty Due to Added Salt and Salted Butter?
Not at all! While the recipe calls for both salted butter and an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt, this combination is carefully balanced to enhance flavor, not to make the bars taste salty. Salted butter actually contains a minimal amount of salt, and the added salt in this recipe plays a crucial role in cutting through the inherent sweetness of the toffee and chocolate. It elevates the overall taste profile, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory experience without being overpowering. If you prefer, you can certainly use all unsalted butter and adjust the added salt to your personal preference, but the recipe as written is designed for optimal flavor.
Where Can I Find Heath Toffee Bits?
Heath Toffee Bits are a popular baking ingredient and are typically located in the baking aisle of most major grocery stores, usually alongside chocolate chips and other baking mix-ins. They come in a bag, often labeled as “Heath Toffee Bits” or “English Toffee Bits.” If you’re having trouble locating them, check the candy aisle or ask a store associate. You can also find them readily available online at retailers like Walmart.
Can I Make These with a Cracker Base Instead?
While this recipe specifically uses a cake mix base for its unique texture and flavor, you can absolutely make toffee bars with a cracker base if that’s what you prefer. For a classic cracker-based toffee, I recommend trying my Christmas Crack Cracker Toffee recipe (often made with saltines) or my Graham Cracker Toffee recipe. These provide a different but equally delicious experience with a crispier, thinner base.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix for the Base?
Yes, the versatility of this recipe allows for easy cake mix substitutions! As mentioned in the ingredient section, you can readily swap the white cake mix for a yellow or vanilla cake mix; this will simply change the color of the base slightly. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider using a spice cake mix, which will infuse your bars with warm, aromatic notes perfect for fall or winter. Chocolate lovers might enjoy a chocolate cake mix base for an extra layer of cocoa richness. Furthermore, a butter cake mix would amplify the buttery flavor of the crust, leaning into delicious shortbread undertones.
Can I Add Anything Else to These Bars?
Absolutely! These bars are wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative by adding extra ingredients to the cake batter mixture. Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), additional chocolate chips, or even extra toffee pieces can be folded into the dough before pressing it into the pan. This adds more texture and flavor, customizing the bars to your liking.
Can I Use a Different Topping?
The chocolate layer is a key component, but you’re not limited to dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Experiment with different types of chocolate or other baking chips to create unique flavor combinations. White chocolate chips would offer a sweeter, creamier contrast, while peanut butter chips would introduce a delightful nutty flavor. Butterscotch chips are another excellent option for a rich, caramel-like taste. For a visually appealing effect, you could even use a combination of different chips and swirl them together while they are still soft and melted.
Can I Swap Out the Toffee Pieces?
While Heath Toffee Bits are the signature element that gives these bars their name and distinctive crunch, you can certainly change them up based on preference or availability. Consider using toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a different kind of nutty crunch. Sprinkles can add a fun, festive touch, especially for holidays or birthdays. Chopped candies, like M&M’s or crushed candy canes (for a seasonal twist), are also great options to personalize your Toffee Bars.
How Should I Store Leftover Toffee Bars?
Storing your Easy Toffee Bars properly will ensure they remain fresh and delicious for longer. Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made a large batch or want to enjoy them later, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or leave them out on the counter for several hours until they reach room temperature. I do not recommend reheating these bars, as doing so can alter their delicate texture and taste, making the chocolate layer oily and the crust soft.
Tips for the Best Easy Toffee Bars
- Don’t Overbake the Base: Keep a close eye on the crust during baking. It should be golden brown, not dark. Overbaking can lead to a dry, hard base.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, using good quality chocolate chips and fresh butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. This ensures the chocolate sets and the bars hold their shape beautifully.
- Even Spreading: Ensure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed over the hot crust, and spread smoothly for a consistent top layer.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different cake mixes, chocolate types, or toppings to find your favorite combination!
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Toffee Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- With Coffee or Tea: A perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break.
- As a Dessert Platter Addition: They make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, especially alongside cookies or brownies.
- Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, gently warm a bar for a few seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Holiday Treat: Their rich flavor and delightful crunch make them an ideal candidate for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings.
CRAVING MORE EASY DESSERT RECIPES?
- Graham Cracker Toffee
- Cracker Toffee
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Snickers Bars
- Lazy Chocolate Chip Bars
- Homemade Twix Bars
Easy Toffee Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (see notes below)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (can use light brown sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 ⅓ sticks)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups dark chocolate chips (or semi sweet chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup Heath toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray a half sheet (18×13-inch) baking pan with nonstick spray (I like the kind with flour in it) or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 box white cake mix, 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, ½ cup packed dark brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined. This can also be done in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer.
- Add in ¾ cup salted butter, melted and cooled slightly and 1 large egg and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. You may find it helpful to use a rolling pin (lightly coated in flour so it doesn’t stick) to help flatten it.
- Bake (on the middle rack) for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle on 3 cups dark chocolate chips in an even layer. You want them to be able to melt from the heat.
- Allow the chocolate to set for about 4-5 minutes, spread around the chocolate with a butter knife or offset spatula until smooth (this should be easy as the chocolate chips should be soft and melted by this point).
- Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup Heath toffee bits on top then allow the bars to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- It is important you do not overmeasure the flour or the base will come out too dry and won’t stick together. See my ingredient list in the post above for how to properly measure flour so that doesn’t happen.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 10g
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Sodium: 172mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 16g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.