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

★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/perfect-potluck-dessert-bars-with-chocolate-chips-and-cream-cheese-layer-recipe/