Mint M&M Cake Mix Bars

I have become addicted to a new show. Psych! I love when I can find a show on Netflix, because I become obsessed and when I have a free day; I end up streaming it all day long. When I've watched the show before, I was never a big fan but I think I must have seen all the wrong episodes, because it is a great show! So funny and I just love the character Gus! Do you watch it? or have any Netflix suggestions. Keep in mind, I tend to like forensic, crime-type shows. I don't know why? I'm thinking I have this secret, undercover dream to be in the FBI ;) Maybe, I could solve cupcake mysteries!

Actually I think my second to my ultimate dream of owning a bakery -- I would LOVE to be a food critic. Doesn't that seem like such a cush job? Don't get me wrong, I am sure it is really hard -- writing, dealing with angry people, eating food that may taste gross -- but doesn't the free and relatively, usually (hopefully) yummy food make up for it? I wonder if there is a food critic for only bakeries?!? That would be pretty awesome too! I'll keep sending out positive vibes for that dream to come true, feel free to send your own good vibes my way!

I'd like to consider myself a semi-real blogger :) And an actual self-trained baker/chef. But I have a confession. I love cake mix. I have used cake mix for cake, cupcakes, cookies and now bars! I have seen a few recipes online for cake mix bars, but never been bold to venture and try it, until now! And I think they came out pretty darn good. This recipe is perfect if you need to make something in less than an hour but still want something yummy and festive. It is a cinch to make! Plus, I put holiday mint M&Ms but you could always make these with other flavors (regular, mini, gingerbread, candy corn, etc.). Also, you could switch out the cake mix you use. Maybe you want vanilla? pumpkin spice? pineapple? The possibilities are endless! And amazing --fudgey mint goodness.

MINT M&M CAKE MIX BARS

Cake mix bars from Inside a BruCru Life

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 325F Degrees 

1 box of Devils Food Cake mix
1 egg
1 stick of butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
9.9 oz bag of mint M&Ms (or peppermint M&Ms)

DIRECTIONS

Line a 7 3/4 x 11 3/4 baking dish with aluminum foil. Grease aluminum foil with butter, shortening or cooking spray. This will help when removing bars from baking dish, allow for cooling, and easier, cleaner cutting into squares.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, sift in cake mix. Then stir in egg, butter and vanilla. Do not over mix. Remove from stand mixer and fold in half of the mint M&Ms.

Evenly press dough into baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms evenly onto the top of the batter and gently press in. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to completely cool before cutting into bars.

Enjoy,
Chika