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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
When your sweet tooth strikes but your energy is running low, Lazy Day Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. These delicious bars require minimal effort, yet deliver maximum flavor — and they won’t blow your budget either!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof: Perfect for beginner bakers or those in a rush.
- Cheap & Easy: Uses common pantry staples — no fancy ingredients needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these chewy, buttery bars.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Boxed cake mix (any flavor) | $1.50 |
| Eggs | $1.00 |
| Butter (melted) | $1.50 |
| Chocolate chips or nuts (optional) | $1.50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5.50 |
Pro Tip: Use store-brand cake mix and butter for the most budget-friendly option. No one will know the difference!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Lazy Day Cookie Bars
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until fully blended. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Fun Flavor Variations
| Flavor Combo | How to Make It |
| Cookies & Cream | Add crushed Oreos to the batter before baking. |
| Peanut Butter Dream | Swirl melted peanut butter over the batter before baking. |
| S’mores Sensation | Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired treat. |
| Cinnamon Roll Bars | Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the batter for a sweet twist. |
Budget-Saving Tips
- Cake Mix Hacks: Stock up on cake mix when it’s on sale for the cheapest dessert fix.
- Creative Add-Ins: Toss in leftover candy, dried fruit, or even cereal to jazz up your bars without extra costs.
- Batch & Freeze: Make extra and freeze in airtight containers for an emergency sweet fix.
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Bonus Tip: Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh and chewy.
More Budget-Friendly Dessert Ideas
If you love effortless yet delicious desserts, you’ll enjoy these:
- Chewy Brownie Bites Made with a Box Mix (But They Taste Homemade!)
- DIY Churro Bites with Just 4 Ingredients – Perfect for Penny Pinchers!
- Rice Krispie Treat Remix: Add This Secret Ingredient for Extra Flavor
Final Thoughts
Lazy Day Cookie Bars are the MVP of lazy baking. Cheap, fast, and oh-so-delicious, they’ll become your new go-to dessert when time and energy are in short supply.
Have a favorite cookie bar add-in? Share your genius ideas in the comments!
