If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances simplicity, indulgence, and that irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for more, look no further than this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe. These bars deliver a luscious cream cheese filling over a buttery cake crust, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful. Whether it’s for a casual family gathering or a special celebration, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its effortless preparation and unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of ooey gooeyness, sweetness, and structure. From the buttery crust to the creamy topping, these essentials work together beautifully to bring this dessert to life.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a buttery, slightly sweet base that forms the crust and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Eggs: Bind the crust and the filling, giving structure and richness to both layers.
- Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the crust for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without any grittiness.
- Cream cheese: The superstar ingredient that gives these bars their signature creamy, tangy, and ooey gooey texture.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s evenly heated by the time your bars are ready to go in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly – this little step prevents sticking and makes sure every bar lifts out as beautifully as it bakes.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients come together into a cohesive dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan; this forms the rich, buttery foundation of your bars and is crucial for that perfect crisp base with each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and softened cream cheese until super smooth and creamy. This mixture will create the ooey gooey center that’s both tangy and sweet, offering a delightful contrast to the crust.
Step 4: Layer and Spread
Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring that every corner of your pan gets that luscious filling. A level surface helps the bars bake uniformly and look stunning when sliced.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle to it. This bounce is what keeps the bars delightfully moist and creamy inside.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling process helps the bars set further, making them easier to cut into perfect squares that hold together without falling apart.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an elegant finishing touch. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream offer a beautiful burst of color and flavor that complements the rich cream cheese filling.
Side Dishes
For a lovely dessert spread, serve these bars alongside fresh fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey bars, creating a dessert experience that’s totally next-level.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual bars on decorative plates with a sprig of mint for a sophisticated look. You can also layer them in clear glass parfait cups with layers of whipped cream and berries to turn this simple treat into a stunning dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to five days, which helps maintain the cream cheese filling’s decadence.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars fresh for a while, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you can enjoy the Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, thaw frozen pieces in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the bars and revives their gooey texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the yellow cake mix is classic and compliments the cream cheese wonderfully, you can experiment with vanilla or even spice cake mixes to add a different twist to the bars.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in the bars. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, just skip adding any extra salt elsewhere in the recipe.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The key is to look for a golden brown top and a center that feels set yet slightly jiggly. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye near the 35-minute mark.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
If you choose a gluten-free cake mix that suits the recipe, you can definitely make a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check all ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Letting the bars cool completely is crucial. For ultra-clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe enough – it’s that perfect go-to dessert when you want something comforting, quick, and utterly delicious. The magic of that creamy filling paired with the buttery crust is simply irresistible, so grab your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these heavenly bars soon!
Print
Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ooey Gooey Bars are a rich and creamy dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with a luscious cream cheese and powdered sugar layer. This easy-to-make bar is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat is desired.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter until the ingredients are well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- The bars should have a slightly jiggly center when you take them out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars before slicing.
- These bars can be served plain or topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.
