Can’t Leave Alone Bars

These Can’t Leave Alone Bars are made with the convenience of a cake mix. My family received this recipe from a family friend and they have been a hit at every Christmas since. They are just as the name says because once you eat one you can’t leave them alone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love these bars because they are simple to make and taste like a chewy soft cake with a sweet smooth chocolate filling. This is also a straightforward recipe to make. The hardest part is evenly spreading the cake base into the bottom of the pan, but using a spatula makes it easy peasy.

It also doesn’t have to look perfect when you plop the rest of the cake mixture on top. See below for the full detailed instructions! They also freeze wonderfully, which makes an excellent make-ahead treat.

These are one of my favourite things to bake for our Christmas baking tray every year along with Butter Tarts, Brownies, and Chewy Nut Bars!

Can’t Leave Alone Bars Ingredients

This bar recipe uses only 6 ingredients!

• 2 packages of yellow cake mix: I recommend using the name brand cake mixes for best results such as Betty Crocker.
• 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the cake mixture together.
• 2/3 cup oil: Lends a moist texture to the cake.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: makes a smooth, sweet texture to the chocolate layer.
• 1 cup of milk chocolate chips or chunks: melt easily in the microwave when mixed with the condensed milk and butter.
• 1/4 cup of butter or margarine: helps the chocolate mixture to melt smoothly.

Instructions

Cake Layer

If baking intimidates you, this bar recipe is a great place to start because the base uses a cake mix.

Combine the cake mixes, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a large greased cookie sheet. Reserve the remaining cake mixture for later.

Chocolate Filling

Using the microwave in this step makes the process so quick and easy. Place the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. A large measuring cup works well for this. Microwave, uncovered until chocolate chips and butter are melted, about one minute and stir until smooth. Pour over mixture in pan.

Drop the remaining cake mixture on top in clusters by teaspoonfuls. Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

This cake likes to puff up while it is baking therefore I recommended placing another cookie sheet below while baking to catch anything that might fall off the edge of your pan. This cool oven liner goes on the bottom of your oven to catch anything for easy cleanup. Cool bars completely on a wire rack before cutting. So good!

I love bars because they are hand-held, easy-to-eat treats. This recipe yields a nice big batch which is easy to transport for gatherings and potlucks.

My husband has already requested I make more, so I guess you could also call them “Can’t Stop Making These Bars”!

Print

Can’t Leave Alone Bars

You are going to love these bars because they are super simple to make and taste like a chewy soft cake with a sweet smooth chocolate filling. They freeze wonderfully, which makes an excellent make-ahead treat.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword bars, squares

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 36 bars

Calories 213 kcal

Author Taylor Harrison

Ingredients

• 2 packages yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 2/3 cup oil
• 1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks milk
• ¼ cup butter or margarine cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Combine the cake mixes, eggs, and oil together in a large bowl. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a large greased cookie sheet. Reserve the remaining cake mixture for later.

3. Place the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered until chocolate chips and butter are melted, about one minute and stir until smooth. Pour over your bottom cake layer.

4. Add the remaining cake mixture on top of the chocolate by teaspoonfuls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. So good!

Recipe Notes

Cover and store leftover bars at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer in freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Tip: place between layers of parchment if the container is not wide enough to place in a single layer. 

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a comment or recipe rating below or tag @tidbitsbytaylor on Instagram and hashtag it #tidbitsbytaylor

Also, try these square recipes:

Chewy Nut Blondies

Puffed Wheat Squares

Originally published on December 24th, 2019. Updated on December 14th, 2023.