Ooey Gooey Bars

Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadent and delicious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a soft, buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is simple to follow and yields irresistibly sweet and gooey bars that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 box yellow cake mix

For the Filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 16 oz powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and the egg.
  3. Add the yellow cake mix to the bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick and dough-like.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  1. In another large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs and vanilla essence to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble and Bake:

  1. Pour the filling mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly set. The bars will still be gooey when you take them out of the oven.
  3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

4. Serve:

  1. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the ooey gooey deliciousness!

Cooking Notes and Variations:

Cooking Tips:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
  • Even Layer: Press the crust mixture evenly into the pan to ensure a uniform base for the filling.
  • Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. They should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven to maintain their gooey texture.

Variations:

  • Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
  • Nuts: Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the filling before baking for added crunch.
  • Coconut: Mix 1 cup of shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flavor.
  • Different Cake Mixes: Try using different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or red velvet, for a unique variation on the classic recipe.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can use a low-carb cake mix and replace the powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Ensure the cream cheese is full-fat and use sugar-free vanilla essence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Ooey Gooey Bars ahead of time. They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before serving.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate, red velvet, or spice cake, to create a variety of ooey gooey bars.

Can I add mix-ins to the filling?

Yes, you can customize the filling with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut, to add extra flavor and texture to the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix in place of the yellow cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Ooey Gooey Bars are a delectable dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite treat. Whether you enjoy them as is or customize them with your favorite mix-ins, these bars are always a hit. Try this recipe today and experience the irresistible ooey gooey goodness!