Description
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a deliciously rich and creamy dessert featuring a soft yellow cake crust topped with a smooth, sweet cream cheese layer. These bars offer a perfect balance of buttery cake and luscious frosting-like filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (approximately 1 lb)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg until a soft dough forms. Evenly press this dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth without lumps.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake crust in the baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden and the center is set but maintains a slightly gooey texture for that signature richness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 16 even bars and serve.
Notes
- For easier removal, line the baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs the edges.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best gooey texture.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a flavor twist.
