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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and the egg.
- Add the yellow cake mix to the bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick and dough-like.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In another large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla essence to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the filling mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- 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.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
4. Serve:
- 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!
