If you’re in the mood for something decadent and indulgent, these Ooey Gooey Bars are just what you need. With a buttery yellow cake crust and a rich, cream cheese topping, these bars live up to their name by being irresistibly gooey and delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s the full recipe to make these Ooey Gooey Bars at home.
Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
For the Topping:
- 1 pound powdered sugar (approximately 4 cups)
- 3 eggs
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Instructions for Making Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick of melted butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a soft dough forms.
- Press the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased 9×13-inch pan, creating a smooth, even crust layer.
- Set Aside: Set the crust aside while you prepare the topping.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- Mix the Topping Ingredients: In another large bowl, beat together 1 pound of powdered sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 block of softened cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Topping: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Ooey Gooey Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should be set and slightly golden brown, but still soft and gooey in the center.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Cooking Notes
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy topping. If needed, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should be gooey in the center, so be careful not to overbake them. The edges will be slightly firmer, but the middle should still have a soft, gooey texture.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer storage.
Variations of Ooey Gooey Bars
Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars
For a chocolate twist, substitute the yellow cake mix with a chocolate cake mix. The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the cream cheese topping.
Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Bars
To add a peanut butter flavor, mix ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the cake mix layer. You can also swirl extra peanut butter into the cream cheese topping before baking for a fun peanut butter swirl effect.
Lemon Ooey Gooey Bars
For a refreshing citrus flavor, use a lemon cake mix and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. This variation gives the bars a tangy, sweet twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Ooey Gooey Bars can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. In fact, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
2. Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
3. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are set and slightly golden brown, but the center remains soft and gooey. It’s okay if the middle looks a bit underdone—that’s what gives the bars their signature ooey-gooey texture.
4. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix. Chocolate, lemon, and butter pecan cake mixes all work wonderfully in this recipe.
These Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat, with their rich, buttery crust and creamy, decadent topping. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this easy recipe is sure to please.
Serve them up at your next gathering, or enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. Enjoy!
