Ooey Gooey Bars

“Indulge in the ultimate dessert delight with these irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars. A decadent combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

With a simple preparation and heavenly results, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make yet utterly delicious dessert.”

Ooey Gooey Bars

Ingredients

1 box cake mix, I use yellow

½ cup butter, melted

4 large eggs, divided

2 tsp vanilla extract

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350*

Mix the cake mix, melted butter, vanilla and 2 of the eggs using a spoon to mix

Using a spoon pat the batter into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan

Mix together the cream cheese, remaining two eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla with an electric mixer. Slowly add in the powdered sugar

Pour this mix over the cake layer

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes

Cool before serving

Enjoy!

Notes:

Cake Mix Variation: Experiment with different flavors of cake mix for unique variations. Chocolate, strawberry, or lemon cake mix can add exciting twists to the recipe.

Butter Substitution: You can substitute melted butter with melted margarine or vegetable oil for a potentially lighter option.

Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the filling.

Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is recommended for blending the cream cheese mixture to ensure it’s thoroughly combined and smooth.

Powdered Sugar Sifting: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese mixture can help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky filling.

Pan Size: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking pan, you can use a similar-sized pan or adjust the baking time accordingly if using a smaller or larger pan.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly gooey.

Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving helps them set and makes for easier cutting.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage.

Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 24 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for Ooey Gooey Bars?

Yes, you can use different flavors of cake mix to create variations of Ooey Gooey Bars.

Experiment with chocolate, lemon, strawberry, or any other flavor you prefer.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, it may affect the texture and flavor of the bars slightly.

Full-fat cream cheese typically produces a creamier and richer result.

How should I store Ooey Gooey Bars?

Store Ooey Gooey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Bars for later?

Yes, Ooey Gooey Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container before freezing.

Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I add toppings or mix-ins to Ooey Gooey Bars?

Absolutely! Customize Ooey Gooey Bars by adding chocolate chips, nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruit to the cream cheese layer before baking.

Sprinkle your desired toppings over the cream cheese mixture before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While margarine can be substituted for butter, it may affect the flavor and texture of the bars.

Butter typically provides a richer taste and better texture.

Can I reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to suit your taste preferences.

However, keep in mind that reducing the powdered sugar may affect the consistency and sweetness of the bars.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Ooey Gooey Bars?

Absolutely! Customize Ooey Gooey Bars by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to the cream cheese layer before baking.

Sprinkle them over the cream cheese mixture before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make Ooey Gooey Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Ooey Gooey Bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

They can be made the day before serving and stored at room temperature.

Can I use a different size baking pan if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?

While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended for this recipe, you can use a similar sized pan with comparable results.

Adjust the baking time accordingly if using a different size pan.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

Cream cheese is a key component of Ooey Gooey Bars, providing a rich and creamy texture.

While there may be substitutes available, they may alter the taste and texture of the bars significantly.

Why do I need to cool the bars before serving?

Allowing the bars to cool helps them set and firm up, making them easier to slice and serve.

Additionally, cooling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.