These Ooey Gooey Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of cream cheese with the sweetness of cake mix. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. This recipe is easy to make and yields a decadent, gooey dessert that will please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The base of these bars, providing a soft, cake-like texture.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 4 large eggs, divided: Three eggs are used in the filling, and one is used in the cake mix base.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the bars.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy filling.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and gives it a luscious consistency.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Base:
- Mix Cake Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick batter.
- Spread in Pan:
- Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Blend Cream Cheese:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Eggs:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Well:
- Continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour Filling Over Base:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center should be gooey but not liquid. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut and Serve:
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
- Mixing: Be sure to mix the filling thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and to let the gooey filling set properly.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer. Chocolate or lemon cake mix would be great alternatives.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- How should I store leftovers? Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Can I add mix-ins to the bars? Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor.
Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadent and easy-to-make dessert that combines the best elements of cake and cream cheese filling into a delightful treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness of this simple yet scrumptious dessert!
