Soft, rich, and irresistibly gooey, these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars combine the simplicity of a cake mix with the decadence of cream cheese and butter. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Perfectly gooey texture that’s rich and satisfying.
Great for sharing at potlucks, holidays, or any special occasion.
Customizable with your favorite cake mix flavors.
Freezes well for a make-ahead dessert option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar (approximately 1 lb)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is just set but still slightly gooey.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 290 kcal
Variations
Flavorful Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, spice, or even strawberry cake mix for a fun twist.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture for added texture and flavor.
Lemon Lovers: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a refreshing citrus note.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Serve the bars chilled, at room temperature, or warm slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer.
Related Recipes:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake
- Lunchroom Ladies Brownies-50 year old recipe
- Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly affect the flavor and texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I reduce the powdered sugar in the filling?
You can reduce it slightly, but the powdered sugar contributes to the structure and sweetness, so the texture may be affected.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Let the bars cool completely, and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day. Prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining simplicity and decadence in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special event or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them out and enjoy a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
📖 Recipe:
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Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a decadent, easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery crust and rich cream cheese filling. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave something sweet, these customizable bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar (approximately 1 lb)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Press into the prepared pan.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but gooey.
- Cool completely before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
For neat cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
Bars taste better the next day after refrigeration.
Customize with mix-ins or different cake mix flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 290 kcal
