Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone craving a rich, sweet treat with a creamy center and golden edges. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dessert.
INGREDIENTS
- Yellow cake mix: 1 box, providing the base for the buttery crust.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted, to add richness to the crust.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs in total—1 for the crust and 2 for the cream cheese layer.
- Cream cheese: 1 package (8 oz), softened, to create a rich, creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for added flavor in the cream cheese mixture.
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups to sweeten the cream cheese layer.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined. This will form the base of the bars.
- Step 3:
- Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a solid crust layer.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5:
- Add the 2 remaining eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Step 8:
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Allow the Ooey Gooey Bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes it easier to cut clean squares.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- For a decorative touch, dust the top of the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a firmer texture, bake the bars closer to 40 minutes. For a more gooey center, bake for around 35 minutes.
- These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- You can experiment with adding different flavors to the cream cheese layer by mixing in citrus zest or even a few drops of almond extract.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten suggests using high-quality vanilla extract for a richer flavor in cream cheese-based desserts like this one.
- Chef Rachael Ray recommends letting the bars cool for at least an hour to ensure they are set and easy to cut.
- Chef Duff Goldman advises adding a pinch of sea salt to the cream cheese mixture for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.