If you’re in the mood for a dessert that oozes with sweetness and comfort, these Ooey Gooey Bars are exactly what you need! Imagine a perfectly flaky crust holding up a rich, creamy, and sticky layer that satisfies every sweet tooth craving. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour, making them a favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple indulgent treat at home.
Why You’ll Love These Ooey Gooey Bars
What makes these bars so irresistible is the texture balance—flaky on the bottom and ooey gooey on top! They’re the kind of dessert that surprises you with every bite. The crust is buttery and just firm enough to hold up under the rich, creamy topping. The sticky layer is a mix of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (dry)
- 8 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 egg
For the Sticky Layer:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 beaten eggs
- 16 ounces of powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you begin, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with either butter or oil. This will make removing the bars a breeze when they’re done.
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Once combined, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased baking pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Sticky Layer
In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, whisking for a few minutes to incorporate them fully. Slowly stir in the powdered sugar until you have a thick, sticky mixture. This sweet layer is what makes these bars so irresistible!
4. Assemble and Bake
Spread the sticky cream cheese layer evenly over the crust you’ve pressed into the pan. Once everything is evenly distributed, pop the pan into your preheated oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping a close eye on them towards the end. You want the bars to be set but not overbaked, ensuring the middle remains soft and gooey.
5. Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. After they’ve cooled, cut them into squares. Serve them as they are, or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Pro Tips:
- Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: This helps ensure your sticky layer comes out smooth and lump-free. If you forget to take the cream cheese out in advance, you can soften it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Don’t Overbake: The magic of these bars lies in their gooey center, so be sure to pull them out of the oven when the edges are set, but the center is still soft. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool.
- Variations: You can try switching out the yellow cake mix for a different flavor, like chocolate or spice, to give these bars a seasonal twist!
Recipe Card
Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
- For the Base:
1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
8 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
- For the Sticky Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
2 beaten eggs
16 ounces powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or oil.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan.
- Make the Sticky Layer: In a separate large bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Assemble: Pour and spread the sticky layer evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains gooey. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Notes
- For smooth, lump-free results, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert that never disappoints. With a buttery cake mix crust and a rich, creamy filling, they are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family at your next gathering. Give them a try, and you’ll see why this recipe has “irresistible” written all over it!