Ooey Gooey Bars

These Ooey Gooey Bars bring together a buttery yellow cake crust and a rich, creamy filling, giving you a dessert that’s sweet, decadent, and truly lives up to its name. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love It:

Ultimate Dessert Texture: These bars are the perfect combination of a buttery crust with a creamy, gooey filling.
Easy to Make: With only a few basic ingredients and easy steps, these bars are beginner-friendly.
Crowd-Pleaser: The rich, sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them universally loved and perfect for sharing.
Versatile Treat: Serve these bars with coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or as a stand-alone dessert.

Key Ingredients:

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the unique texture and flavor of the Ooey Gooey Bars. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Yellow Cake Mix: The boxed yellow cake mix gives the crust a light sweetness and structure, making it a time-saver while creating a flavorful base. You can experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate or vanilla for a fun twist.
Butter: Melted butter gives the crust its richness and dense texture. Use unsalted butter for more control over the flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for creating a smooth, creamy filling. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending without lumps.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar provides sweetness and helps to thicken the filling while keeping it creamy.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking of the bars.

Mix the Crust Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 box of dry yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg.
Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and 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, spreading it into an even layer using your hands or a spatula. Ensure it’s firmly packed to create a solid base for the bars.

Prepare the Filling

Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of 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 2 beaten eggs to the cream cheese, whisking until well mixed. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.

Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of 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, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

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 let them cool completely on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours. This step is essential for the filling to set.

Serve

Cut and Serve:

After cooling, 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 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.

Serving Suggestions:

Ooey Gooey Bars are incredibly versatile, and here are a few ideas to make them even more enjoyable:

Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
Fruit Topping: Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of berry sauce to add a bright, fruity contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a touch of extra sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness and a hint of salted sweetness.

Storage and Freezing Tips:

These bars keep well, making them ideal for make-ahead treats or storing leftovers.

Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Freeze the bars by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature.

Variations to Try:

Customize these Ooey Gooey Bars with some creative flavor variations:

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars: Use chocolate cake mix for the crust, and add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a double-chocolate treat.
Lemon Ooey Gooey Bars: Use lemon cake mix for a bright, citrusy twist, and add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for extra flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Bars: Substitute spice cake mix for the crust and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a warm, autumn-inspired treat.
Nutty Bars: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking for a crunchy texture.
Coconut Bars: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.

Conclusion:

Ooey Gooey Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s easy to love. With a buttery crust and creamy filling, these bars are the perfect blend of rich and sweet. Whether you enjoy them as a casual treat or bring them to a party, these bars are sure to please everyone who takes a bite.