Description
Delightfully rich and gooey, these Cream Cheese Gooey Bars feature a buttery cake mix crust topped with a smooth, creamy, and sweetened cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced with a slightly jiggly center, these bars are an effortless American dessert treat that can be chilled for clean slicing and enjoyed any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (1 pound box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat together until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting into 24 bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These bars freeze well; for convenience, wrap individual bars tightly before freezing for quick treats later.
- Chilling before cutting helps achieve clean and neat slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
