If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate dessert bar that’s as easy to make as it is indulgently delicious, look no further than these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. This crowd-pleasing treat combines a buttery yellow cake crust with a rich, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese—all made with simple pantry staples. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly gooey in the center—a bar so good you’ll want to keep the recipe handy for every occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars is how you can whip up something so impressive using only a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: from the buttery crust to the luxuriously smooth top layer, there’s not a single weak link here.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a sweet, buttery base and makes prep effortless—no need to measure out flour, sugar, or leaveners.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and moisture to the crust, ensuring every bite is indulgent.
- Large eggs: Bind the crust and create the characteristic gooey texture in the topping.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show, lending creaminess, tang, and addictive decadence to the bars.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while also adding a dreamy, smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, giving the bars a lovely bakery-style aroma and taste.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens up every bite.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for super-easy removal later. This simple step ensures your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars won’t stick when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Make the Cake Mix Crust
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and 1 of the eggs. Stir (a wooden spoon works wonders here) until everything comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a substantial, buttery crust—the perfect foundation for all that luscious goo.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling
Using another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar so the mixture stays velvety and lump-free. The result should be a smooth, pourable batter that’s ready to become the star of the show.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for golden edges while the middle still looks slightly wobbly—that’s how you know the signature “gooey” texture is locked in.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Allow the baked bars to cool fully in the pan to set. For the best texture (and to make cutting them a breeze), chill the bars for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. Once cool, slice into small squares for the perfect Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving makes these bars look extra special. If you love a citrusy twist, try a sprinkling of finely grated lemon zest or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for even more wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars with fresh berries, tangy fruit salad, or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk on the side turns this treat into a truly memorable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a pretty platter with doilies for a vintage vibe, or cut them into bite-sized cubes for party-friendly finger food. Layer squares with parchment paper in a gift box for a sweet homemade present—these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are as adorable as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, gooey, and irresistible for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead sweets or late-night cravings.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to harden, then stack between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve—your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars will taste freshly baked.
Reheating
While these bars are delicious cold, you can gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them a bit soft and melty. Serve slightly warm for an extra-gooey treat!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, white, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist. Each variety brings its own personality to the Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars.
Why do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
Chilling helps the creamy layer set, making it much easier to cut neat squares without a sticky mess—plus, the texture is so much better after the bars have cooled completely.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten free. You’ll get the same gooey, irresistible results.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should look golden and set, while the middle should gently jiggle when you shake the pan. Overbaking will make the bars less gooey, so don’t wait for the center to fully set in the oven.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can bake two pans side by side or use a larger sheet pan if you’re feeding a big group. Just keep an eye on baking times, as they may need a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment here!), these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are bound to become your go-to easy dessert. Their classic flavor and irresistibly gooey texture make every bite swoon-worthy. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bar!
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Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars that are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. A buttery cake mix crust topped with a creamy cream cheese layer, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Make Crust: In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool in the pan, then chill before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch.
- For party portions, cut these rich bars small.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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