Red Velvet Bars

Welcome to Ms. Nicolette's Pantry! So happy to have you here and in the kitchen with your kiddo adding something new to your lifestyle.

I have hand-picked recipes and activities that are easy for you to create at home with the help of your children. Based on their age you can decide which tasks they can help you with, and which ones they should let an adult do. Make this a learning experience for you both - let your child explore the baking/cooking process and explain each item, ingredient, and step to them, and watch how your child interacts!

This is a fun dessert for a Fourth of July party - and it even includes the addition of patriotic M&M candies! Or, if you choose to omit, you can absolutely just bake these beauties with normal white chocolate chips, and they'll still be delicious.

Read to the end for special notes about this recipe!

Tools Needed:

• 9 x 13" pan

• Aluminum foil

• Cooking spray

• Spatula

• Stand/hand mixer

• Medium bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 standard size box red velvet cake mix

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

• 2 eggs

• 1 bag white chocolate chips

• Optional: 1 bag patriotic M&Ms

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9 x 13" baking dish with aluminum foil.

2. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

3. In a bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Tip: be sure to crack eggs in a separate container to avoid any eggshells!

4. Using mixer, mix until combined. Tip: this can be done by hand also but be sure to mix it well!

5. Mix in half the candies or baking chips.

6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Press lightly with fingers to spread the dough to the edges of the pan. Tip: if the dough is sticky, coat your fingers in a little bit of cooking spray beforehand.

7. Add remaining candies or baking chips on top, pressing down lightly.

8. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Tip: watch carefully as to not overbake, as they will dry out!

9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

10. Slice into bars and serve!

11. Enjoy!

    
    

NOTES:

• These can be made with a variety of mix-ins, or just plain if you desire. For a fun twist: add crushed Oreos, a mixture of different chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles.

• In addition, these can be made plain and iced with a cream cheese frosting or drizzle, if desired.

• Be sure to wash hands before and after working in the kitchen, especially when handling raw ingredients like eggs.

• Have fun and enjoy!