Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Introduction

Ooey Gooey Bars are a rich, creamy dessert that combine a buttery cake crust with a sweet, velvety cream cheese filling. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat. Once you try them, their melt-in-your-mouth texture will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
• 2 sticks butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Step 4: Gently press the dough into an even layer in the baking pan. Firmly pack it to create a solid base.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the 2 beaten eggs to the cream cheese, whisking until well mixed and smooth.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the filling is thick and creamy.
8. Step 8: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
9. Step 9: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is slightly golden and the center is still jiggly. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey texture.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours to allow the filling to set.
11. Step 11: After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture before baking.
• You can swap the yellow cake mix for a white or butter cake mix if preferred.
• Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best gooey texture. You can also freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different size baking pan?

A 9×13 inch pan works best to achieve the right thickness and baking time, but you can use a slightly smaller or larger pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and watch for the bars to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Why is my filling not smooth?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Beat it well until creamy and smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Using cold cream cheese or mixing too quickly can cause lumps.

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 545 reviews

These Ooey Gooey Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling sweetened with powdered sugar. Baked to perfection, they offer a soft, gooey texture that’s irresistible for any sweet tooth craving.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
• 2 sticks butter (melted)
• 1 egg

Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking for the bars.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough.
3. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
4. Press the Crust into the Pan: Evenly press the dough into the baking dish, firmly packing it to create a solid and uniform base layer.
5. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, usually about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add the Eggs: Whisk the two beaten eggs into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
7. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while whisking continuously, until the filling becomes thick and creamy.
8. Pour the Filling over the Crust: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust layer using a spatula.
9. Bake the Bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be lightly golden, with the center remaining slightly jiggly to keep the gooey texture.
10. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
11. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature, perfect alongside a glass of milk or coffee.

Notes

• Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey, soft center texture.
• Softening the cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smoother filling without lumps.
• Greasing the pan well helps to remove the bars easily after baking.
• These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For added flavor, consider sprinkling a little cinnamon or vanilla extract into the filling.

Keywords: ooey gooey bars, cream cheese bars, easy dessert, yellow cake mix dessert, baked cream cheese bars, gooey bars recipe