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Ooey Gooey Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

These indulgent ooey gooey bars feature an inspired combination of textures, with a buttery cake mix crust supporting a luscious cream cheese layer. The bottom develops slight crispness while baking, creating beautiful contrast with the smooth, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Simple pantry ingredients like boxed cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar transform into something truly special. The versatile recipe welcomes creativity through different cake mix flavors and optional additions, making it adaptable for countless occasions.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:28:24 GMT
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A close-up of golden brown dessert squares arranged on parchment paper, showcasing a chewy, caramel-like texture. Pin it
A close-up of golden brown dessert squares arranged on parchment paper, showcasing a chewy, caramel-like texture. | tastygusto.com

These irresistible bars have become my signature dessert. With their buttery crust and creamy sweet filling they never fail to make people smile. Inspired by the famous St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake I've simplified the recipe to make it foolproof while keeping all that wonderful richness.

A Sweet Tradition

I love how these bars bring comfort food history right to your kitchen. They're so simple to make with basic ingredients you probably have on hand. Every time I bake them they fill the house with the most amazing buttery aroma.

Everything You Need

  • Yellow Cake Mix: The base for the crust, providing sweetness and a tender texture.
  • Butter: Two sticks of melted butter add richness and bind the crust.
  • Eggs: Essential for structure, with one egg in the crust and two in the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: The filling's key component, offering creaminess and a slight tang.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and creates the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Lets Make Something Sweet

Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray.
Make the Crust
Combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and an egg. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy.
Assemble and Bake
Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center slightly jiggles. Cool completely before slicing.

My Kitchen Secrets

Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before starting it makes such a difference in the filling. Dont overbake these bars that gooey center is what makes them special. Let them cool properly and use a clean sharp knife for picture perfect cuts.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use chocolate cake mix for an extra rich version. In fall I love adding pumpkin and warm spices. Chopped pecans give nice crunch and lemon zest brightens everything up. The possibilities are endless.

Serving and Saving

We love these bars slightly warm when theyre extra gooey. A cup of coffee or cold milk alongside makes them perfect. They keep well in a container for three days but honestly they never last that long in our house.

A close-up of golden, square pieces of baked dessert arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of golden, square pieces of baked dessert arranged on parchment paper. | tastygusto.com

Why You Need This Recipe

These bars are pure joy to make and share. That buttery crust with its creamy filling creates something truly special. Play with different flavors and toppings to make them your own. Whether warm from the oven or chilled theyre always a hit.

Perfect Pairings

Try serving these warm with vanilla ice cream its heavenly. A drizzle of caramel sauce and fresh berries makes them extra special. Sometimes just a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need. They're wonderful with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat.

Good to Know

These bars are definitely a treat coming in around 350 calories each. Share them with friends or save for special occasions. You can make them with gluten free mix or try reducing the sugar a bit they're still delicious.

Avoid These Mistakes

Don't overmix that crust or it'll get tough. Always use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Be patient with cooling time it's worth the wait for perfect squares. And remember slightly jiggly centers mean perfect gooey bars.

A close-up of golden, baked bars cut into squares, showcasing a crispy top and a moist, crumbly texture. Pin it
A close-up of golden, baked bars cut into squares, showcasing a crispy top and a moist, crumbly texture. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

These bars work great as a make-ahead dessert. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for longer storage.

→ Why is my cream cheese filling lumpy?

Lumpy filling usually happens when the cream cheese isn't soft enough. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.

→ How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top is slightly golden and the center is still jiggly. They'll continue setting as they cool, so it's better to slightly underbake than overbake them.

→ Can I use different cake mix flavors?

You can definitely experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique variations. Chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mix all work well in this recipe.

→ What's the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely for 1-2 hours first. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.

Easy Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Rich and creamy Ooey Gooey Bars with a cake mix crust and smooth cream cheese filling. Perfect for any dessert lover.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (1 9x13 inch pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box yellow cake mix (dry).
02 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted.
03 1 egg.
04 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
05 2 eggs, beaten.
06 16 oz powdered sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.

Step 02

Mix dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until it forms a dough.

Step 03

Press dough evenly into greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 04

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.

Step 05

Gradually whisk beaten eggs into cream cheese until fully mixed.

Step 06

Slowly add powdered sugar to cream cheese mixture, whisking until smooth.

Step 07

Pour filling over crust and spread evenly to corners.

Step 08

Bake 25-30 minutes until top is golden but center still jiggles.

Step 09

Let cool completely on wire rack for 1-2 hours before cutting.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead and frozen.
  2. Works with different cake mix flavors.
  3. Keeps at room temp for 3 days.
  4. Center should be slightly underbaked.
  5. Great with ice cream or caramel sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Wire cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Milk.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 3 g