If you’re looking for absolute dessert bliss, Ooey Gooey Bars are your ticket to sweet, melt-in-your-mouth happiness. These beloved bars strike the perfect balance between a buttery cake crust and a luscious cream cheese layer that’s smooth, rich, and delightfully gooey in the center. With a handful of everyday pantry staples, you’ll have a dessert that brings nostalgia and pure comfort in every bite—whether for parties, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself to a sensational sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ooey Gooey Bars lies in their brilliantly simple ingredient list. Every component has a role to play, working together to create layers of flavor and that one-of-a-kind gooey texture. Let’s get to know the stars of your dessert tray:
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation for an irresistible soft, buttery crust; using a mix keeps things easy and consistent.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the crust for the perfect chew.
- Eggs (3 large): One egg binds the crust, while the other two make the creamy filling ultra-luscious.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The hero of gooeyness—its tang and silkiness create that dreamy top layer.
- Powdered sugar (3¾ cups): Sweetens and thickens the filling without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives depth and that classic sweet aroma.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your bars lift out of the pan easily, every time.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray—this simple step saves so much frustration later and keeps every sticky corner easy to serve. Set the pan aside while you gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Whip Up the Buttery Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Using a sturdy spatula or electric mixer, mix everything until it forms a thick, slightly sticky dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—don’t worry if it feels dense, you want that solid base for all the gooey topping to sit on! Take your time to get into the corners for even layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free (an electric mixer makes this quick and easy). Add the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is fully blended and silky. This creamy topping will puff up beautifully as it bakes and set into luscious, gooey perfection.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over your crust layer, spreading it out gently to cover from edge to edge. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden top and edges just set—the center should still have a slight jiggle; that’s where all the softness and ooey-gooey charm lives. Avoid overbaking for maximum gooeyness.
Step 5: Cool Completely and Slice
Patience is rewarded here. Let your bars cool in the pan until they’re room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge for firmer slicing. Cutting into chilled bars gives you those gorgeous, sharp edges with gooey centers. Use a sharp knife (wiping clean between cuts) for picture-perfect squares.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top is classic and never fails to make Ooey Gooey Bars look extra inviting. For a playful twist, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream transforms each bar into a downright dreamy plated dessert.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich, so serve them alongside simple sides. Fresh berries cut through the sweetness beautifully and add a pop of color. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a decadent à la mode delight. For a cozy touch, try them with a hot cup of coffee or chilled milk to balance the sugar rush.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Ooey Gooey Bars into small squares for an easy dessert tray or package them in parchment and ribbon for delightful edible gifts. Serving at a party? Stack them up on a tiered stand or layer with parchment in a decorative tin—watch them disappear! For extra fun, use cookie cutters for themed shapes around the holidays or birthdays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep that gooey texture at its best, store your Ooey Gooey Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Simply layer parchment or wax paper between bars to prevent sticking—so you always get a perfect square when you reach for a treat!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled, slice the bars and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, ready-made dessert whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
While Ooey Gooey Bars are fantastic straight from the fridge, you can gently reheat them if you prefer. Pop an individual bar into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and extra gooeyness. Be careful not to overheat—just a touch is all you need!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Ooey Gooey Bars?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to swap in white, butter, lemon, or even spice cake mix for a unique twist. Each variety changes the flavor profile and gives you endless creative possibilities with the same easy technique.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe because it lets you control the saltiness and keeps the focus on sweet, creamy flavors. If you only have salted butter on hand, it will still work—just expect a subtle savory note in the crust.
Why is my filling not setting in the middle?
The filling is meant to be a little wobbly in the center when you remove the bars from the oven; it will finish setting as it cools. If it stays runny even after chilling, double-check your ingredient measurements and bake time, as too little baking or too much liquid can affect set.
Can I add mix-ins to the cream cheese layer?
Definitely! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter before spreading the filling over the crust. Add-ins introduce new flavors and textures, making your batch of Ooey Gooey Bars extra special and totally customizable.
How do I make clean cuts when slicing the bars?
For those perfect bakery-style squares, chill your bars thoroughly and use a large, sharp knife. Wipe the blade with a damp towel between slices to keep the edges clean and prevent that glorious gooey filling from dragging across each cut.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about the pure joy that comes from baking and sharing Ooey Gooey Bars. They’re just the thing when you want an easy recipe with maximum impact, capable of turning any ordinary day into something deliciously memorable. Grab that cake mix and cream cheese—you’re just a few steps away from your new favorite dessert!
Print
Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a rich cream cheese layer. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg to form a dough. Press the dough into the pan to create the crust.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set with a slightly jiggly center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance with chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter for added flavor.
- Small servings are recommended due to richness. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
