Name: Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 4 cups powdered sugar

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If you’re craving a dessert that delivers pure, buttery indulgence in every bite, look no further than these decadent Ooey Gooey Bars. This beloved classic has earned its name for good reason—the contrast between the chewy, cake-like base and the luxuriously gooey topping is nothing short of irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just treating yourself, these bars balance sweet richness with a hint of vanilla, and are shockingly easy to whip up for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of pantry staples can transform into a show-stopping treat. Each ingredient in Ooey Gooey Bars plays a key role, delivering the signature texture and flavor you crave. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips to guarantee bakery-level bars every time:

Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The ultimate shortcut for a tender, flavorful crust and a nostalgic golden hue.
Unsalted butter (1 stick for base + 1 stick for filling, both melted): Brings rich flavor and that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture—use high-quality butter if you can.
Eggs (1 large for base, 2 large for filling): These bind the layers and keep everything perfectly cohesive and creamy.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the not-so-secret ingredient in the filling, adding that signature tangy, velvety gooeyness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A small splash makes a huge difference, adding depth and warmth to the bars.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): It sweetens and lightens the filling, creating that soft, billowy texture on top.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it generously with butter or line it with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when those bars come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Make the Cake Mix Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir everything together until you have a thick, soft dough—it’ll be sticky, but that’s just right. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. Make sure it’s packed down and reaches the edges, so every bar has that delightful base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Ooey Gooey Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy (no lumps allowed!). Next, add the two large eggs, vanilla extract, and another 1/2 cup of melted butter. Beat until fully combined and fluffy. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing, so you end up with a luscious filling that’s perfectly smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Pour and Spread

Take your cream cheese mixture and pour it right over the cake base in the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the filling to every corner. The layer will be thick, but resist the urge to thin it out—that’s how you get that classic Ooey Gooey Bars contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a slightly set but still-quivery center—the gooeyness is the whole point! Be careful not to overbake; the bars will firm up more as they cool. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely for neat slices and the perfect gooey texture.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars

Garnishes

When it comes to serving Ooey Gooey Bars, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top is classic and always crowd-pleasing. You can also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty edge, or go the extra mile with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Ooey Gooey Bars are rich and sweet on their own, so pair them with something cool and fresh to balance things out. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries brings a lovely contrast. Some even enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or chilled milk for the ultimate comfort pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

These bars are so versatile when it comes to presentation! Cut them into small squares for bite-sized party treats, or slice them into rectangles with festive cupcake liners for bake sales. For a fun twist, layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for a deconstructed dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve indulged, keep any leftover Ooey Gooey Bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain that creamy center and prevent melting.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then slide them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their fabulous texture for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

If you enjoy your Ooey Gooey Bars slightly warm, pop a bar into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick zap brings back some of that fresh-from-the-oven softness—but be careful, as the filling may become extra gooey.

FAQs

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Check for golden brown edges and a center that’s just set but still lightly jiggly when you wiggle the pan. If you overbake, you’ll lose that signature gooey texture—so when in doubt, err on the side of underbaking!

Can I use other cake mix flavors?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for Ooey Gooey Bars, you can play with chocolate, spice, or lemon cake mixes for fun flavor variations. Each one brings a unique twist to the base.

Is it possible to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes! Fold chocolate chips, white chocolate, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter into the filling before baking. Start with about 1/2 cup and let your imagination guide you—just avoid overloading so the bars still bake properly.

Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

Ooey Gooey Bars are fine at room temperature for up to 3 days if your kitchen is cool, but for longer storage or in warm weather, refrigerate them. Chilled bars have a firmer texture but are just as delicious!

How do I get clean slices?

For photo-worthy slices, allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. Use a sharp, clean knife (wiping between cuts helps) or even chill the bars first for the cleanest edges—it’s a little trick I swear by!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the irresistible magic of Ooey Gooey Bars, now’s your chance! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s outrageously good and sure to win hearts. Whip up a batch soon, and don’t be surprised when everyone begs you for the recipe!

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of these Ooey Gooey Bars that combine a cake mix crust with a creamy, sweet filling for the perfect gooey treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the crust: Combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Press into the baking dish.
Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar; mix until fluffy.
Assemble and bake: Pour filling over crust and bake for 40–45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
Cool and serve: Cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!