Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a luscious, rich treat with a buttery cake crust and a creamy, sweet filling. This beloved Midwestern dessert is perfect for anyone craving something indulgent and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 1 large egg
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Make the crust by combining the cake mix, melted butter (half of the total), and 1 egg in a medium bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Prepare the filling by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the remaining melted butter, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and thick.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish, spreading gently with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be golden and set, while the center remains slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking to maintain that signature ooey gooey texture.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Try substituting the yellow cake mix with white or butter cake mix for a subtly different flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the crust?

Yes, you can use white or butter cake mix instead of yellow for a slightly different flavor profile, but the texture and consistency remain best with a standard cake mix.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and set firmly, but the center should still be a bit soft and gooey. Avoid baking too long to keep the signature ooey gooey texture.

Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a luscious dessert featuring a dense, buttery cake crust topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling dusted with powdered sugar. This indulgent treat perfectly balances a slightly crisp edge with a gooey center, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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For the crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add two large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined. Slowly pour in the melted butter while continuing to mix. Finally, beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy, thick, and well blended.
4. Assemble: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges will be golden and set, but ensure the center remains slightly gooey for that perfect ooey gooey texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain the desired consistency.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Optionally, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and presentation flair.

Notes

• Do not overbake to keep the center gooey.
• Using softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
• For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Ooey Gooey Butter Bars, butter bars, cream cheese bars, easy dessert, cake mix dessert, creamy bars, buttery dessert