Name: Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 eggs; 4 cups powdered sugar

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Gooey Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining a buttery, cake mix base with a rich, creamy cream cheese topping. These bars are easy to make, incredibly decadent, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a soft, almost custard-like filling, they are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, potluck, or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gooey Butter Cake Bars are as delicious as they sound! The yellow cake mix base gives these bars a buttery, soft foundation, while the sweet and creamy cream cheese layer on top creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The best part? These bars are quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, these bars are foolproof, making them the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dessert ready to bake and impress your guests!

Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
4 cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir everything together until you have a soft dough.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming the cake base.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs and mix well until fully blended.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until combined and smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top layer is set and begins to crack.
Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover gooey butter cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds. They’re also delicious cold!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, butter, or even chocolate cake mix for a different twist.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Gooey butter cake bars can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’re great for prepping for parties or events.

Can I freeze gooey butter cake bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once completely cool, cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature.

Can I use light cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use light cream cheese, but it may affect the texture slightly. The bars might be a bit less rich, but still delicious!

How do I know when the bars are done?

The top should be set, and the edges should look slightly golden brown. The center may still be a little wobbly, but it will firm up as it cools.

Can I add toppings to these bars?

Absolutely! You can add a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even some fresh berries on top for extra flavor and decoration.

Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?

Yes, you can use a smaller pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A 9×9 inch pan will work well, but the bars may be a bit thicker and require a few more minutes of baking.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s powdered. However, powdered sugar works best for this recipe to ensure a smooth texture.

Can I make these bars without eggs?

Eggs help create the creamy texture in the top layer, but you could try using an egg substitute, such as unsweetened applesauce (about 1/4 cup per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.

Are gooey butter cake bars gluten-free?

This recipe uses a yellow cake mix, which typically contains gluten. However, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make the bars gluten-free.

Conclusion

Gooey Butter Cake Bars are an irresistible, decadent treat that combines the best of cake and cream cheese into one perfect dessert. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these bars are a great choice for family gatherings, parties, or just when you’re craving something sweet. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try making them today and enjoy a slice of indulgence!