Name: Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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If you’ve never met a dessert that calls your name from the countertop, the Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This crowd-pleaser is the stuff of family celebrations and midnight cravings—rich, buttery, and unbelievably simple to pull together. Imagine a golden cake crust topped with an irresistibly creamy, sweet layer that somehow manages to be both firm at the edges and lushly soft in the center. This Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is pure nostalgia, ready in just over an hour, and practically guaranteed to steal the show at potlucks, bake sales, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling this treat together is shockingly easy, thanks to classic pantry staples that each play a starring role. From creamy richness to tender structure and that signature dusting of sweetness, here’s how each ingredient makes the Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe truly shine.

Yellow cake mix: Provides the perfect buttery base layer, setting the stage for both flavor and a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter delivers melt-in-your-mouth richness while helping the crust hold together beautifully.
Large eggs: The backbone for both crust and filling—one in the crust for binding, two more in the filling for luscious texture.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy blending, it brings that dreamy, tangy-sweet top layer to life.
Powdered sugar: The fill-in-the-blank for sweetness, as well as a touch of smoothness in the creamy filling.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warmth and roundness to both scent and flavor.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it—the salt balances the sweetness so your Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe never tastes flat.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy release. This step means less sticking and neater bars—no one wants to leave behind any of that gooey goodness!

Step 2: Make the Bottom Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. You’ll notice it coming together quickly—just keep mixing until there are no streaks of dry cake mix left. Press this dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, working it evenly into the corners for a uniform crust.

Step 3: Mix the Ooey Gooey Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. This is the foundation for the classic texture, so take your time—no lumps allowed. Add in the remaining two eggs, the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the powdered sugar. Mix until silky and thick, scraping down the sides of the bowl so everything is fully incorporated. The filling should be creamy and pourable.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared cake base and spread it evenly from edge to edge. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that still has a gentle wiggle—don’t overbake! The middle should stay a bit gooey; that’s the magic of this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. Chilling helps firm up the layers, so you get clean, beautiful squares (and maximum gooeyness in every bite). Serve these bars chilled or let them come to room temperature for a softer texture—the choice is yours!

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to dress up each bar, but don’t be afraid to get creative. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce takes the decadence over the top, and for a pop of color, add a few fresh berries or a single sprig of mint on each square.

Side Dishes

Because these bars are beautifully rich, they pair gorgeously with something fresh and light—think a tart fruit salad or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving a crowd, offer up a platter of mixed berries or some gently whipped cream on the side to balance out the sweetness of the Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the bars into little bite-sized squares for a dessert buffet, or slice them into long, skinny rectangles for a fun twist. Stack them up on a tiered stand for an impressive party centerpiece, or wrap individual pieces in parchment for sweet little lunchbox surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. The texture actually improves a bit as they set, so don’t hesitate to enjoy a square or two throughout the week.

Freezing

The Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully! Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let them come to room temperature for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars on the gooier side, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving. This brings back a touch of that fresh-from-the-oven warmth that makes every bite utterly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate, white, or even spice cake mix to personalize your Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe. Each flavor adds its own delicious twist and works beautifully with the creamy filling.

How do I tell when the bars are done baking?

Look for golden, set edges and a center that still jiggles gently when you shake the pan. You want the middle to be a little soft—if you bake them until fully firm, you lose that signature gooeyness.

Why is my filling lumpy?

Lumps usually happen when the cream cheese isn’t fully softened or beaten smoothly before adding the eggs and sugar. Make sure to start with room temperature cream cheese and blend it on its own first for the silkiest filling.

Can I add mix-ins to the Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe?

Definitely! Try stirring in chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even swirls of peanut butter into the filling before baking. These tasty additions make each batch unique and extra decadent.

Do I have to refrigerate the bars before serving?

While you can serve them once they’re completely cool, chilling helps set the creamy layer, making the bars easier to cut and handle. Plus, they taste wonderfully refreshing straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s all comfort and pure joy, give this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe a try. Each bite is a sweet, creamy hug, and the fact that it’s so easy to make just means you’ll find yourself whipping up these bars again and again. Enjoy every gooey moment!

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible deliciousness of these Ooey Gooey Bars made with a buttery cake mix crust and a creamy, sweet filling. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.