why make this recipe
This cake bar is rich, sweet, and soft. It comes together fast with few ingredients. You can make it for parties, potlucks, or a simple dessert at home. If you like gooey sweets, this will be a hit. Try it after a quick cookie recipe like chewy gooey cookies for a full treat table.
introduction
These Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars have a crisp bottom and a soft, creamy top. The recipe uses a boxed cake mix and cream cheese. You mix a simple dough, press it in a pan, add the cream cheese layer, and bake. The result is easy to cut and serve once cool.
how to make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Make the bottom dough from the cake mix, butter, and one egg. Press it into a lined 9×9 pan. Beat the cream cheese with two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread that mix over the dough. Bake until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. Cool completely before cutting.
Ingredients :
- 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ French Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 pound bag (about 3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a stand mixer, combine together the cream cheese, 2 eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cake mix layer.
- Bake bars for 45 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center has set to a soft consistency.
- Cool COMPLETELY before slicing into bars and serving.
how to serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Cut into squares after the bars cool fully. Serve at room temperature. They go well with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert plate, pair with fresh fruit or another bar like raspberry cheesecake bars.
how to store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Cover the bars and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Press the bottom layer firmly and evenly for a good base.
- Do not overbake. The center should be slightly soft when you take it out.
- Cool completely to make clean slices.
variation (if any)
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract for a different flavor.
- Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer.
- Top with a dusting of extra powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes. Vanilla is classic, but yellow or butter cake mix also works.
Q: Do I have to cool the bars before cutting?
A: Yes. Cooling makes the bars firm and easier to cut.
Q: Can I make these in a different pan size?
A: You can, but baking time will change. A larger pan will make thinner bars and bake faster.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: The powdered sugar helps the texture. You can try a little less, but the top may be less gooey.
Conclusion
If you want a slightly different take or a shorter ingredient list, check this version at 6-Ingredient Ooey Gooey Butter Bars – Garnish & Glaze. For more gooey butter cake ideas and tips, see Gooey Butter Cake Bars | Butter Your Biscuit.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cake mix layer.
- Bake the bars for 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center has set but is still soft.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.