Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a clear glass 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until a very thick batter forms.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and about 1 1/2 cups of the malted milk balls, leaving the rest for the top.
4. Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining malted milk balls over the top and gently press them in so they sit securely.
5. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just cooked through. Be careful not to overbake if you want a soft, chewy bar.
6. Cool completely in the dish before cutting into 16 squares and serving.
Variations & Tips
For extra crunch: Save a few more malted milk balls for the top and press them in after about 10 minutes of baking so they stay a little more distinct. That gives the bars a prettier finish and a bit more texture.
For cleaner slices: Let the bars cool fully, then chill the dish for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting. A sharp knife wiped clean between cuts will give you tidy squares fit for a bake sale table.
For a richer chocolate flavor: Use dark chocolate chips in place of semisweet. It balances the sweetness nicely and gives the bars a deeper, more old-fashioned chocolate taste.
For easy pan removal: If you prefer lifting the bars out whole, line the dish with parchment paper before pressing in the batter. Even in a glass dish, that little step can make serving much simpler.