Deliciously Decadent Ooey Gooey Bars: A Sweet Indulgence for Every Occasion

Are you ready to treat your taste buds to something truly delightful? Look no further than these irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars! With a buttery cake mix crust and a rich cream cheese filling, these bars are the epitome of indulgence. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, these Ooey Gooey Bars are sure to impress. So let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secret to their irresistible gooey goodness!

Ingredients

Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix, dry (not prepared)
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg

Gooey Layer:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 eggs, beaten
16 oz. powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg for the crust. Mix until well combined and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and powdered sugar, and mix until creamy and well combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Serve and enjoy the gooey goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations

For added flavor and texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before baking.
Experiment with different flavors of cake mix for the crust, such as chocolate or lemon, for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
If you prefer a thinner layer of cream cheese filling, you can halve the amount of cream cheese and powdered sugar used in the recipe.
These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix for the crust?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix to customize the flavor of the crust. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary depending on the type of cake mix used.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Once cooled, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

A: While the powdered sugar is essential for creating the gooey texture of these bars, you can reduce the sweetness slightly by using less powdered sugar or opting for a sugar-free alternative.

Keto Version and Low Carb Version

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of these Ooey Gooey Bars, you can make the following adjustments:

Use a keto-friendly cake mix or make your own almond flour-based crust to replace the yellow cake mix.
Replace the powdered sugar with a powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free option.
Use full-fat cream cheese and add a splash of heavy cream to achieve the desired creaminess without the added sugar.
Adjust the sweetness to taste by gradually adding the powdered sweetener until you reach the desired level of sweetness.

In conclusion, these Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. With their buttery cake mix crust and creamy cream cheese filling, they are sure to satisfy even the most intense cravings for something sweet and decadent. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert for a special occasion or enjoying them as a midday treat, these bars are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious bars today. Your taste buds will thank you!