If you have a sweet tooth craving something delightfully rich and tender, then you absolutely need to try this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. These bars are a sensational blend of a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a luscious, creamy layer that melts in your mouth with every bite. The perfect combination of textures and flavors makes these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary taste experience. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that delightful creamy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of your bars, providing a tender, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- Eggs (4 total): Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness and structure to both the crust and creamy layer.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and a deep buttery flavor that makes the crust perfectly tender.
- Powdered sugar (1 lb): Sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps achieve that smooth, velvety consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the creamy topping, giving the bars their signature ooey, gooey texture and tangy richness.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter until everything is well blended. The mixture creates your crust, which you’ll press evenly into the bottom of the pan. This simple step lays a buttery, tender foundation for the creamy layer to come.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Grab another bowl and beat together the powdered sugar, the remaining three eggs, and the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This part of the recipe is essential for achieving that ooey gooey texture that makes these bars so irresistible. Pour this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust you just prepared.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with the center still slightly jiggly—this is the magic moment when the bars are perfectly baked yet wonderfully soft inside. Don’t rush this step, as it’s the key to that signature gooey goodness.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once baked, it’s crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan. Cooling allows the bars to set properly so they hold their shape when cut. After cooling, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a dessert experience like no other.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the presentation and bring a touch of extra sweetness. Fresh berries or a few chopped nuts on top add a delightful contrast in texture and a touch of freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a classic choice that complements the creamy texture perfectly. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to enjoy a complete comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try serving individual bars on pretty dessert plates with edible flowers or mint leaves for a pop of color. You can also layer crumbled bars with berries and whipped cream in a glass to create a layered parfait that showcases the dessert in a stunning, modern way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars hold up well and can be enjoyed for up to 4 days without losing their ooey gooey texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead for holidays or special occasions.
Reheating
To enjoy your Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe warm, simply reheat individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will bring back that freshly baked softness and make the cream cheese layer even more luscious. Avoid overheating to keep the perfect gooey consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavour for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional and balances nicely with the cream cheese layer, you can experiment with vanilla, butter, or even spice cake mix for unique flavor twists.
Do I need to use softened cream cheese?
Yes, softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the powdered sugar and eggs, creating that signature gooey texture. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps and an uneven texture.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
They can, but you’ll need a gluten-free yellow cake mix to replace the regular one. Just make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any issues.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on this visual cue.
Is it possible to halve this recipe?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan, such as an 8×8-inch dish, but cooking times may vary slightly, so watch for doneness closely.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe that makes it a beloved dessert in any kitchen. Its delightful blend of buttery crust and irresistibly creamy topping creates a perfect treat you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and dive into making a batch today—you won’t regret savoring every luscious bite!
Print
Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich, creamy texture and sweet, buttery flavor of Ooey Gooey Bars, a deliciously indulgent dessert featuring a crisp yellow cake crust topped with a smooth cream cheese and powdered sugar filling. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these bars offer the perfect balance of gooey and cakey in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until well blended, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well blended without lumps.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust layer and spread evenly with a spatula to cover completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for the perfect gooey texture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars before cutting.
- Add a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
