Perfect Potluck Dessert Bars with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Layer Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress at your next potluck? The Perfect Potluck Dessert combines a soft cake base, creamy cream cheese filling, and melty chocolate chips for an irresistible treat. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this layered dessert will quickly become a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer. If desired, add chopped pecans on top.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and pecans.
8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
9. Step 9: Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a chocolaty twist, try using a chocolate or spice cake mix instead of yellow.
• Add fresh berries or a layer of fruit preserves to the cream cheese filling for added flavor and freshness.
• Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
• You can prepare the dessert a day ahead; refrigerate overnight for convenience and slice before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, bring the dessert to room temperature or warm slightly in the oven. This dessert can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can substitute with chocolate, spice, or any other cake mix to customize the flavor.

Do I have to use pecans?

No, pecans are optional. You can leave them out or replace with other nuts or toppings like shredded coconut or sprinkles.

Perfect Potluck Dessert Bars with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Layer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

The Perfect Potluck Dessert is a rich, decadent layered treat featuring a soft yellow cake base, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a topping of melty semisweet chocolate chips drizzled with heavy cream and optional pecans. This easy-to-make dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, ideal for sharing at gatherings and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake Base

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the dessert layers.
2. Make the Cake Base: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create a uniform base layer.
3. Bake the Base: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for easier spreading of the cream cheese layer.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
5. Spread the Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled cake base to create the middle layer.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer. If using, scatter the chopped pecans on top of the chocolate chips for added crunch.
7. Drizzle with Heavy Cream: Lightly pour the heavy cream over the chocolate chip and pecan topping to add moisture and richness.
8. Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set firmly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into 16 bars for easy serving.

Notes

• This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature, perfect for potluck preparation.
• For a twist, try different cake mix flavors such as chocolate or spice to complement seasonal events.
• Fresh berries or fruit preserves can be added to the cream cheese layer for added freshness.
• Chopped nuts like pecans are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
• The dessert serves best at room temperature and does not require refrigeration, making it convenient for gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: potluck dessert, layered dessert, cream cheese dessert, chocolate chip dessert, easy potluck recipe, yellow cake mix dessert