The true magic of Ooey Gooey Bars lies in their contrast of textures. The buttery, tender crust provides the perfect foundation for the velvety, creamy gooey layer that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a symphony of sweetness and richness, making these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or a special family dessert. With a quick prep time and just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is a go-to for satisfying your dessert cravings.
Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
- 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 egg
For the Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 16 oz. powdered sugar (approximately 3 ¾ cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the ingredients come together into a dough-like consistency. It will be thick, so don’t worry if it feels heavy.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish, forming the crust layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth it out. Set aside while you prepare the gooey layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Layer
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best for this step to avoid lumps.
- Add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, to create a velvety, thick batter. Continue mixing until no lumps remain, and the mixture is pale and glossy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake, as the gooey layer should remain soft and creamy.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. For easier slicing, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Dust with additional powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
