Rich, buttery dessert bars with a soft, gooey center and a slightly crisp top. These delightful Ooey Gooey Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy these Ooey Gooey Bars are to make with simple ingredients. The combination of a buttery crust and a creamy, sweet topping makes them irresistible. They have the perfect balance of textures—soft and gooey with a lightly crisp top. Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with different flavors or add-ins!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar
3 eggs
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Storage/Reheating
To store, I keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. These bars also freeze well—wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. No reheating is necessary; they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Variations
Chocolate Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix for the crust and add a handful of chocolate chips to the topping.
Citrus Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the topping for a zesty twist.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Festive Additions: Mix in sprinkles or food coloring for a holiday-themed treat.
Related Recipes:
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake
- Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
FAQs
What type of cake mix should I use?
I recommend using a yellow cake mix for the classic flavor, but you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or spice cake.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but I find that full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The top should be golden and slightly crisp, while the center should jiggle slightly when shaken. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. Prepare and bake them as directed, then store them in an airtight container. They taste even better the next day!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they bake evenly.
Conclusion
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a dessert that never fails to impress. With their rich, buttery crust and soft, creamy topping, they’re sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these bars are a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy them as a sweet treat at your next gathering or as an indulgent snack just for yourself!
📖 Recipe:
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Ooey Gooey Bars
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with our Ooey Gooey Bars! These bars feature a soft, cake-like crust topped with a rich, creamy layer that’s irresistibly gooey. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for dessert lovers who crave a simple yet decadent treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar
3 eggs
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing.
You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Sweet Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 320 kcal per bar
