Name: Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

Ooey Gooey Bars are a deliciously rich and creamy dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. With a buttery cake mix crust and a sweet cream cheese filling, these bars offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors for any occasion.

The image shows four square pieces of a dessert with three clear layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crumbly and light brown, looking like a crust. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and pale yellow. The top layer has a smooth, golden-brown finish with a swirled pattern and a slightly crispy texture. The pieces are close to each other, and the front piece is in sharp focus while the rest are slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
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.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 4: Gently press the dough into an even layer in the prepared baking pan. Firmly pack it to create a solid base.
Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Add the 2 beaten eggs to the cream cheese, whisking until well mixed and smooth.
Step 7: Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the filling is thick and creamy.
Step 8: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust and use a spatula to spread it out.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is slightly golden and the center is still jiggly. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey texture.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1–2 hours to allow the filling to set.
Step 11: Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife and serve at room temperature. Enjoy with a glass of milk or coffee.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling.
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with white or spice cake mix for a different twist.
Serve chilled if you prefer a firmer texture.
Adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the crust mixture can add a delightful chocolatey surprise.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

This image shows four square pieces of a creamy dessert on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three visible layers: a crumbly, light brown crust at the bottom, a thick creamy yellow middle layer, and a golden brown top layer that looks slightly crispy with a light sugary texture. The edges of the dessert pieces are clean and slightly crumbly with a soft, smooth cream center. The close-up view captures the texture details clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

Yes, you can use regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, but full-fat cream cheese tends to give the creamiest and richest results.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?

A similar-sized baking dish will work, but if your pan is smaller, the bars will be thicker and may require longer baking time. Adjust as needed and watch for doneness.