If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that melts in your mouth and satisfies every sweet craving you have, then you need to try this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe right now. These bars are an irresistible fusion of a buttery cake crust and a rich, creamy filling that’s decadently sweet and satisfyingly soft. Whether you’re bringing them to a party or just indulging at home, these bars deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you make this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe, it will become your go-to treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is as simple as it is crucial. Each one contributes to that dreamy texture and flavor combo—sweet, creamy, and perfectly cake-like in every bite.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the base, giving the bars a soft, buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Eggs (4 total): Eggs provide structure and richness, making the layers hold their shape while keeping the texture soft.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick), melted: Butter adds that essential moisture and a golden crust with a subtle, indulgent flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 lb or about 4 cups): This sweetens the creamy filling, creating that signature melt-in-the-mouth sensation.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, softened): The cream cheese lends a smooth tang and luscious texture that turns these bars from good to unforgettable.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter until everything blends into a thick dough. This creates the buttery base layer, so press it evenly into the pan’s bottom—it’s the sturdy and flavorful foundation for the ooey gooey topping.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the powdered sugar, three eggs, and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This creamy layer is what gives these bars their luscious texture and that signature sweet tang that contrasts beautifully with the cake layer.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over your prepared crust, smoothing it out so every square gets that rich filling. Pop the pan into the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top looks golden brown and the center wiggles slightly but isn’t runny—that’s the sweet spot for perfect ooey gooey goodness.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This rest time helps the layers set properly, making clean squares easy to cut without losing the ooey gooey magic. After cooling, slice into 24 generous bars and get ready to enjoy hands down one of the best dessert treats you’ll make all year.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are perfect on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce elevates their appeal beautifully. You could even add fresh berries on top, which add a bright pop of color and a bit of tartness to counterbalance the richness.
Side Dishes
Pairing the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream turns this snack into a full-on dessert experience. For a brunch table or tea party, these bars shine next to a cup of rich coffee or herbal tea, bringing out their sweet and tangy nuances.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bars cut into bite-sized squares on a colorful platter with edible flowers or mint leaves for a festive touch. Another idea is to layer them in clear glass jars with whipped cream for a layered dessert look that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is the way to go—they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and pop them in the freezer. They keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm treat, reheat bars gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for 10 minutes. This revives their ooey gooey texture without drying them out, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream or a warm drink.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix provides a classic base, vanilla, white, or even funfetti cake mix can add a unique twist to your Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe.
Is cream cheese necessary?
Cream cheese is essential here for that distinctive creamy texture and tangy flavor that sets these bars apart from other desserts. It really ties the whole recipe together.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, it’s fine to use it—just skip adding extra salt elsewhere. The salted butter might even add a nice depth of flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
You can! Just use two 9×13 pans to bake the doubled recipe in the same temperature and bake time, checking for doneness as oven times can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try that will quickly become a fixture in your baking repertoire. The ease of the ingredients and the sheer delight of that creamy, dreamy texture make these bars a standout for any occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your friends to this heavenly dessert—you’re going to love every bite.
Print
Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey Gooey Bars feature a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, resulting in a luscious and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. With a soft, slightly jiggly center and a golden brown top, these bars are easy to make and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well blended into a dough-like mixture. Evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and softened cream cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined without any lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan, spreading it out evenly so it covers the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should turn a light golden brown and the center should be set but retain a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set fully and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Do not overbake to maintain the gooey texture in the center.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
