Name: Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar

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If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and irresistibly gooey, look no further than this Ooey Gooey Bars recipe. With a simple cake mix crust and a luscious cream cheese filling, these bars are the perfect balance of textures, offering a sweet treat that’s both soft and creamy. Once you taste these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy it is to make these bars without compromising on flavor or texture. The crust is soft yet sturdy, and the filling is decadently gooey and creamy. These bars also come together quickly, which makes them ideal for both casual snacking or impressing guests. The contrast of the golden, slightly crisp crust with the smooth, sweet filling creates a delightful experience in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Don’t use “pudding in the mix” kind. Plain yellow is best!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the butter.
1 large egg – Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.

For the Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Full-fat cream is the key for that extra gooey texture!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Again, softened is crucial for a smooth filling.
2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
4 cups powdered sugar – This is what makes the filling super sweet and gooey!

(HERE’S A TIP: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This helps me lift out the bars without a hassle after they bake.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until just combined. It should form a slightly thick and sticky dough. I try not to overmix here to keep the crust light and tender.
Press Crust into Pan: Press the crust evenly into the prepared baking pan. I find that using my fingers or the back of a spoon helps spread the dough smoothly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will even out as it bakes.
Prepare the Filling: In the same bowl (less cleanup!), beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. I make sure there are no lumps before adding the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick and luscious.
Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust. I spread it out carefully to the edges, ensuring it covers the crust completely.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly, but the bars will firm up as they cool. This is what gives these bars their signature ooey texture!
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. I usually let them sit for at least an hour, or even longer if I have the time. If I try to cut them while they’re still warm, the filling tends to be too gooey and messy.
Cut & Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, I use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For clean slices, I run my knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how big you cut them. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the cooling time. Baking itself takes roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the crust before adding the filling. You could also fold them into the filling for a rich chocolate swirl.
Fruit Add-ins: You can add fresh berries or fruit preserves to the filling for a refreshing twist. Blueberries or raspberries would pair wonderfully with the creamy texture.
Nutty Version: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a nutty crunch that complements the gooey filling.

Storage/Reheating

I like to store my Ooey Gooey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to 1 week. When reheating, I place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back the softness and gooeyness.

FAQs

How long do Ooey Gooey Bars last?

These bars last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Bars?

Yes, I can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While the yellow cake mix works perfectly in this recipe, I’ve tried other flavors like white cake mix or even chocolate cake mix for a different twist. Keep in mind that the flavor of the filling is so strong, it will overpower the cake mix base.

Can I make these bars without eggs?

If you’re looking to make these bars without eggs, I haven’t tested it myself, but I’d suggest using an egg replacement such as a flax egg or applesauce. I recommend testing with a small batch to see how the texture holds up.

Why is my filling not smooth?

The key to a smooth filling is ensuring that both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. If either is too cold, it may not blend properly and can result in a lumpy filling. I always make sure both ingredients are soft before starting.

Conclusion

Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re looking for something sweet to snack on or need an easy dessert to bring to a party. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and have the most delicious gooey filling. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness just as much as I do!