Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a decadent treat with a rich, creamy filling atop a buttery cake crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting sweet bite any time.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the 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: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Slowly add the remaining melted butter, then beat in the powdered sugar until the filling is creamy and thick.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the pan, spreading it out gently.
5. Step 5: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are golden and set but the center is still slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking for the perfect texture.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
• For a fruity twist, swirl in some raspberry or strawberry jam before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter crust, add a tablespoon of sugar to the cake mix before pressing it into the pan.
• Make sure not to overbake; the center should remain soft and slightly gooey for the classic texture.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like white or spice cake mixes, but yellow cake is classic for balancing the rich filling.

How do I keep the bars from being too gooey?

Bake just until the edges are set and golden, and the center is slightly soft. Overbaking will dry them out, while underbaking keeps them gooey but not runny.

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery cake mix crust topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. These bars combine a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect balance of sweetness, making them a favorite for gatherings or a decadent treat anytime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the crust:

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

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 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 to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a solid base for the bars.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth without lumps. Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined. Gradually pour in the melted butter, then beat in the powdered sugar until the filling is creamy, thick, and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should turn golden and be set, while the center remains slightly gooey to achieve that signature ooey gooey texture. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling moist.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and optionally dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
• Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey to maintain the signature texture.
• Using parchment paper in the pan helps with easy removal and cleaner cutting.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate on top after baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ooey gooey butter bars, cream cheese dessert bars, easy dessert recipes, buttery crust bars, sweet bars