If you have a sweet tooth that craves something both rich and melt-in-your-mouth fabulous, this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a buttery cake crust layered with a luscious, creamy cream cheese topping that’s perfectly sweetened and just a little bit jiggle-worthy straight from the oven. It’s a classic dessert that’s incredibly easy to make but delivers show-stopping flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast and call for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a vital role. From the yellow cake mix that creates a tender, buttery base to the cream cheese and powdered sugar that make the filling irresistibly smooth and sweet, every ingredient contributes deliciously to the final result. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation for the crust, providing sweetness and a fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted, plus 1/2 cup melted for topping): Adds rich moisture and binds the crust and filling beautifully.
- Large eggs (3 total): One egg is blended into the crust dough, and two go into the creamy topping for structure and smoothness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the topping; delivers that signature creamy, tangy richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet cream cheese filling with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the topping while keeping it silky smooth without graininess.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and will come out clean and perfect every time.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Mix until a soft dough forms — it should be easy to press but not sticky. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid base. This crust will bake into a moist, buttery layer that holds up the creamy topping beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Ooey Gooey Topping
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth and free of lumps. Add two eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing well so the flavors come together seamlessly. Slowly add the powdered sugar, whipping the mixture until it’s velvety and sweet without any grit. Finally, pour in the remaining melted butter and stir gently but thoroughly. The result is a rich, gooey topping that defines this recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your luscious ooey gooey topping over the crust in the pan, smoothing it evenly with a spatula so every bar will have a perfect layer of creaminess. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, keeping a close eye. The edges should turn golden, while the center remains just slightly jiggly – that’s the secret to the perfect gooey texture. Resist the urge to overbake, as you want that soft center to shine.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling lets the gooey topping set up just enough to slice cleanly without losing any of its lusciousness. Once cool, cut into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy some truly addictive dessert bars.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the indulgence, consider topping each bar with a fresh raspberry, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple garnishes add bursts of color and extra flavor layers that make serving these bars even more fun and festive.
Side Dishes
These bars are a dessert all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a bright contrast, a small bowl of mixed berries on the side adds freshness that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, consider cutting your Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter lined with parchment paper. You can also stack bars on decorative plates or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for adorable edible gifts. Each presentation brings out the homemade charm of this luscious treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ooey gooey bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Chilling enhances their gooey texture and makes slicing easier once they’re set.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, they last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to restore their perfect ooey gooey texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that soft, gooey sensation. Just be careful not to overheat or the cream cheese filling might become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate or spice cake mixes both make delicious crust variations that complement the ooey gooey topping perfectly. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite flavor combo.
Is it okay to use reduced-fat cream cheese?
While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese yields the best rich and creamy texture that defines the bars. The flavor and gooeyness might be slightly less intense with lighter options.
Do I need to line the baking pan with parchment paper?
It’s not strictly necessary, but lining the pan with parchment makes removing and slicing the bars much easier and helps prevent sticking, especially around the edges.
Can I make these bars gluten free?
To make this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe gluten free, choose a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten free to keep your dessert safe for sensitive eaters.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown while the center remains slightly jiggly to the touch. Overbaking will dry out the bars, so it’s important to pull them out when they’re just set.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is a total game changer when you want a dessert that feels homemade and special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The rich cream cheese topping paired with the buttery cake crust creates a flavor and texture combination that’s truly irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every delicious, sticky, sweet bite as much as I do!
Print
Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich and creamy texture of Ooey Gooey Bars, a luscious dessert featuring a buttery cake mix crust topped with a smooth, sweet cream cheese mixture. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden edge with a soft, gooey center, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Ooey Gooey Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Prepare the Ooey Gooey Topping: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully smooth. Finally, slowly stir in the melted butter until the mixture is combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the ooey gooey cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges for uniform coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll want the edges to turn golden while the center remains slightly jiggly but set — this ensures a wonderfully gooey texture. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 bars. Serve them at room temperature or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- For a flavor variation, substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate or spice cake mix.
- Add white chocolate chips to the topping for extra sweetness and texture.
- Swirl in a bit of jam or Nutella into the cream cheese mixture before baking for a delightful twist.
