If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistibly delicious dessert to impress friends or satisfy your sweet tooth, this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe is a total game-changer. With its buttery cake base and creamy, dreamy filling, these bars deliver that perfect balance of soft, moist, and slightly gooey textures that keep you coming back for more. It’s a nostalgic treat turned effortless, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes whenever I want something comforting, quick, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely critical to achieving the luscious texture and rich flavor of this treat. Each element plays a specific role, from the crumbly cake layer to the silky cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the flavorful and tender base, providing sweetness and structure in one box.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich, buttery moisture that keeps the bars soft and tender.
- Eggs: Bind the base and filling together, creating the perfect texture throughout.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, bringing a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese, making the filling luxuriously rich.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the filling’s flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure the bars don’t stick and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until it forms a thick dough. This will be your base, so press it evenly into the prepared pan. The base sets the stage with a tender crumb foundation that supports the luscious filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a larger bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This silky filling is what truly makes these bars ooey gooey and delightfully rich.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cream cheese filling over your pressed cake base and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Make sure it covers every corner to get that perfect balance of cake and filling in each bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn a light golden color and for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean but still slightly gooey—this guarantees that trademark ooey gooey texture once cooled.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Patience now! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This gives the filling time to set just right, making sure you get those neat squares that hold together but still melt deliciously in your mouth.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Once cooled and sliced, these bars are ready to be devoured. They’re perfect as is, or dressed up with your favorite toppings for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of coffee-flavored gelato for an irresistible dessert combo. A cup of hot coffee or a big glass of cold milk makes a wonderful companion to enjoy while unwinding.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into mini bite-sized squares for a fun party platter, or layer them with fresh fruit and whipped cream in a mason jar for a charming dessert parfait. You can even toast the tops slightly under the broiler for a crème brûlée-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for weekday treats or last-minute dessert options.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy their ooey gooey goodness whenever you like.
Reheating
To reheat, let the bars thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the lovely softness and gooey texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic here, you can use vanilla or even white cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Just avoid mixes with added flavors or fillings that might alter the texture.
Is it important to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening cream cheese helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy filling with no lumps. Just leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure all your other ingredients like vanilla extract and powdered sugar are gluten-free too.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?
Cool the bars completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps achieve neat squares without crumbling.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter into the base or filling for extra texture and flavor. It’s a fun way to customize the Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe is truly one of those desserts that brings pure joy every time. Easy to make, rich in flavor, and boasting a texture that’s both soft and satisfyingly gooey, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a fast favorite for your family and friends — you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery vanilla cake base topped with a rich and creamy sweet cream cheese filling. Baked to a perfect golden finish, these bars offer a luscious, gooey center that melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or any vanilla cake mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir thoroughly until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, two eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake base layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top develops a light golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean but still slightly gooey, indicating a soft center. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling allows the bars to firm up and achieve the signature ooey gooey texture. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these rich, buttery bars as a delightful dessert or indulgent snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the bars should remain slightly gooey in the center for the best texture.
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
