If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s irresistibly rich, delightfully gooey, and bursting with sweet cream cheese flavor, then this Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These bars are a perfect balance between a tender cake base and a luscious cream cheese topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a homestyle treat, this recipe promises a hassle-free way to achieve that heavenly dessert everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of pantry staples that pack a punch. Each ingredient plays its own important role, from creating a buttery crust to a sweet, creamy topping that sets these bars apart.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This forms the flavorful, moist base that’s easy to work with and perfect for this recipe’s texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the crust become tender and slightly crumbly.
- Large eggs (3 total): Eggs provide structure and help bind the layers together beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the bars that gives you that luscious, gooey filling with tangy sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, fragrant note.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Gives the filling its signature sweetness and smooth texture, balancing the cream cheese perfectly.
How to Make Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Setting this up early ensures a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Create the Cake Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir these ingredients until a soft dough forms. This base is easy to press into your prepared pan, so spread it out evenly to create the perfect foundation for your bars.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Then add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined. Finally, slowly add in the powdered sugar, blending until your mixture is silky and luscious.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake crust in your baking dish. The creamy topping should be evenly distributed so every bite delivers that gooey, rich flavor you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden color and the center is mostly set but maintains that signature gooey consistency. This contrast between a lightly crisp edge and soft interior makes these bars so addictive.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up just enough to hold together perfectly when cut into 16 generous servings.
How to Serve Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely finishing touch. For extra flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to introduce texture and a hint of crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries on the side really brighten the dish, adding a burst of freshness that complements the sweet, creamy bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe into a showstopper by cutting them into bite-size pieces for parties or stacking them in a dessert trifle layered with whipped cream and fruit. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper makes them gift-ready for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking and completely cooling your Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days, making it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months without losing their signature gooey texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw the bars overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until they reach your desired temperature. This quick warm-up revives that fresh-baked gooeyness like magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can experiment with flavors like white cake, spice, or even chocolate for a delicious twist on these bars.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is key. It blends more smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring your filling is creamy without lumps.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix and make sure all added ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe safely.
Why is the center gooey and not fully set?
The slightly gooey center is a signature feature of this dessert. It provides that rich, decadent texture that balances the firmer edges perfectly. Just be sure to bake for the recommended time to get this ideal consistency.
Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar is preferred for the filling because it dissolves smoothly, giving the bars their silky texture. Using granulated sugar might result in a grainy filling, so it’s best to stick to powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, the Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe is a must-try. This dessert hits all the right notes with its buttery crust and creamy, sweet topping that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you bake these bars, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars combine a rich buttery crust with a luscious cream cheese layer, making a delightfully soft and gooey dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (approximately 1 lb)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed dough crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth topping.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator after cooling.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- You can experiment with different cake mix flavors for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
