If you’ve ever dreamed of dessert bars that are melt-in-your-mouth soft, utterly decadent, and a smash hit at every gathering, then Cream Cheese Gooey Bars belong at the very top of your baking list. This classic American treat boasts layers of buttery cake crust and a rich, tangy cream cheese filling that stays just gooey enough to feel truly indulgent. Simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, these Cream Cheese Gooey Bars have a way of stealing the show anywhere they go—trust me, your friends and family will beg for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity: each ingredient brings that distinct, lush flavor and texture we love. Every component here works magic, so don’t skip a thing if you want authentic Cream Cheese Gooey Bars!
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The shortcut secret! This gives the crust its sweet, tender bite and golden color.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Richness in every bite—plus, it helps breadcrumbs hold together for the base.
- Eggs (3 large, divided): One egg binds the crust, while two more create that dreamy, creamy filling texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the show! For ultimate smoothness, let it come to room temperature before mixing.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Whips up into a velvety-sweet filling, making each bite just the right level of sweet without being overwhelming.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors with a touch of warmth and nostalgia.
How to Make Cream Cheese Gooey Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—getting that temperature just right is key for gooey perfection! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your bars will lift out with ease when they’re done. Trust me, this little bit of prep ensures beautiful slices.
Step 2: Build the Buttery Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, cohesive dough. Use clean hands or a spatula to press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. This acts as a sturdy-yet-tender foundation, and it really soaks up that gooey layer!
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Filling
Grab a large bowl for this next step. Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, banishing any lumps. Add the remaining two eggs, vanilla, and all that glorious powdered sugar. Beat again until everything blends into a pale, silky batter. This filling should look luscious and glossy—that’s how you know it’s ready for those Cream Cheese Gooey Bars!
Step 4: Layer & Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake crust, using a spatula to spread it out evenly—don’t forget those corners! Pop your pan in the oven, bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still just a little soft. That slight jiggle in the center is a sign you’re in gooey territory—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
This is the hardest part—waiting! Let your Cream Cheese Gooey Bars cool completely in the pan to set up for clean cuts. Once cool, slice into bars (16 is the traditional serving, but feel free to go bigger or smaller!). If you can resist slicing in before they cool, you earn major baking bragging rights!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Gooey Bars
Garnishes
These bars are gorgeous in their own right, but an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar makes them truly special. For a festive touch, a few fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can turn each square into a little work of art—get creative with seasonal toppings, too!
Side Dishes
As these bars are wonderfully rich, pair them with something light: fresh fruit salad, tangy lemon sorbet, or a cup of black coffee cuts the sweetness perfectly. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert buffet, simple vanilla ice cream is always a winner alongside Cream Cheese Gooey Bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting Cream Cheese Gooey Bars as bite-sized squares on a pretty platter makes them ideal for parties. Stack them in a rustic cake stand for a homestyle look, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper for picnics and lunchboxes. You can even serve them in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go dessert that doesn’t skimp on the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Gooey Bars hold up beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to keep the bars from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—perfect for make-ahead desserts or late-night sweet tooth cravings.
Freezing
For a longer-term treat, you can freeze these bars. After cooling and slicing, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months; just let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you love enjoying these bars slightly warm, pop a chilled bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked, gooey magic! Avoid over-microwaving, as they can dry out fast—a quick zap is all it takes.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, chocolate or lemon cake mixes add a fun twist. Each variation brings its own personality to the Cream Cheese Gooey Bars, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to set your cream cheese out, unwrap it and microwave in 10-second bursts until it’s just soft enough to blend smoothly. You want it creamy but not melted for the best filling texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but still a little soft—it should gently jiggle if you shake the pan. Overbaking will lose the gooey texture that makes these bars so irresistible, so err on the side of under instead of overbaking.
Can Cream Cheese Gooey Bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different but still wonderfully delicious and gooey.
Should I refrigerate Cream Cheese Gooey Bars before serving?
It’s not required, but chilling them makes slicing easier and tones down some of the sweetness, especially on warm days. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature—they’re delightful both ways!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Cream Cheese Gooey Bars—they’re comfort baking at its finest, whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself. Grab those simple ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the heavenly scent of these gooey, sweet treasures. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re a tradition in so many homes. Happy baking!
Print
Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Cream Cheese Gooey Bars for a decadent treat that strikes the perfect balance between gooey and sweet. With a buttery cake mix crust and a rich cream cheese filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the crust: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl to form a dough. Press into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; beat until creamy.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden but center is still gooey.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the bars should be soft in the center.
- Try variations with different cake mix flavors like chocolate or lemon.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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