Ooey Gooey Bars are a rich, decadent dessert with a buttery crust and a creamy, mouth-watering filling. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you’re craving something sweet. The combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a dessert that’s both crispy on the edges and deliciously gooey in the center.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
2 sticks butter (melted)
1 egg
For the Filling:
1 package cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs (beaten)
1 box powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking of the bars.
Mix the Crust Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky, similar to cookie dough.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Press the Crust into the Pan:
Gently press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring it’s firmly packed.
Prepare the Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Add the Eggs:
Add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese and whisk until well mixed, resulting in a smooth, slightly frothy blend.
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated. The filling should be thick and creamy.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the Filling over the Crust:
Carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Bake the Bars:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be slightly golden, with a jiggly center. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which should take about 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for the filling to set properly.
Serve
Cut and Serve:
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
Savor:
Serve the bars at room temperature. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Variations & Substitutions
Different Flavors:
Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich, chocolaty twist.
Spice: Use a spice cake mix and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Extras:
Nuts: Mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit: Add a layer of fruit preserves or pie filling, such as cherry or blueberry, between the crust and filling for a fruity surprise.
Gluten-Free:
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Lighten Up:
Lower-Fat Option: Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content and add protein.
Sugar-Free Option: Replace the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
Conclusion
Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect indulgence, combining the simplicity of boxed cake mix with the rich creaminess of cream cheese and powdered sugar. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. With their crispy edges and soft, gooey center, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix dry, not prepared: Forms the base of the bars.
- 2 sticks butter melted: Adds richness to the crust.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the crust.
- For the Filling:
- 1 package cream cheese softened: Provides a creamy, tangy filling.
- 2 eggs beaten: Adds structure to the filling.
- 1 box powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds texture.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- In a medium bowl, mix the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined and dough-like.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, and press the dough evenly into the pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, whisking until thick and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the center is still jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours, before cutting into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the bars at room temperature, and store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Notes
- Variations: Try using chocolate or spice cake mix for different flavors.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or layer fruit preserves between the crust and filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cake mix.
- Lighten Up: Substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, or use a sugar substitute.
