If you love treats that are satisfyingly rich, decadently sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, then you’re absolutely going to fall for Ooey Gooey Bars. This classic, crowd-pleasing dessert combines a buttery cake base with a lush cream cheese filling for a bar that’s golden and crackly on top while irresistibly gooey in the center. Whether you’re whipping up a nostalgic family treat or surprising friends at a potluck, these bars never fail to steal the show. And best of all? They’re shockingly simple to make, but deliver the kind of texture and flavor that feels truly special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It only takes a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create these unforgettable Ooey Gooey Bars. Each ingredient plays its own critical part: from the rich base to the creamy crown, every bite sings thanks to this simple line-up!
- Yellow cake mix: Offers a quick shortcut to a buttery, golden crust that holds up the gooey filling beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings signature richness and keeps both the crust and filling ultra-tender.
- Large eggs: Add structure and help the bars bake up just firm enough but still soft in the middle.
- Cream cheese (softened): Blend this until silky for a creamy, tangy filling that gives the bars their trademark texture.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash blends with the filling for warm, aromatic undertones that boost every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the creamy layer with just the right texture.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a thorough greasing. This not only ensures the Ooey Gooey Bars come out cleanly but also helps their edges caramelize just a bit in the oven for that perfect bite.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir them together until you’ve got a thick, cohesive dough—don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky. Now, press this mixture evenly into the base of your baking dish. This will create that sturdy-yet-buttery bottom layer that really sets Ooey Gooey Bars apart from ordinary dessert bars.
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—taking your time here means no pesky lumps later! Next, add the two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar so everything stays airy and creamy, then slowly pour in the melted butter for even more lusciousness. Beat until you have a smooth, luxurious filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed crust, and use a spatula to spread it out into all the corners. You want the filling to be level so every finished bar gets that wonderful gooeyness in the center.
Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out: the top should turn a lovely golden brown and begin to crackle, but the middle should still jiggle ever-so-slightly—a sure sign you’ve captured the true Ooey Gooey Bars magic. Resist overbaking if you want them to live up to their delicious name!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack right in the dish. This patience pays off—cutting while warm will result in a gooey mess, but cooling sets the bars perfectly so they slice beautifully. Then, cut into even squares and prepare yourself for rave reviews!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars
Garnishes
Dusting these bars with a touch more powdered sugar right before serving adds a classic finish and a pretty, snowy touch. For extra flair, add a few fresh berries, shredded coconut, or even a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. The bars are already so memorable, but a little garnish can make them feel festive for any special occasion.
Side Dishes
Ooey Gooey Bars are rich and sweet, so they pair wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re hosting a dessert buffet, balance them with a citrusy sorbet or some salty, roasted nuts for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Package square bars in parchment-lined treat boxes as edible gifts, or slice them into bite-sized cubes and arrange them on a tiered dessert platter for parties. For holidays, use cookie cutters to cut the cooled bars into fun shapes. Stack or stagger them for extra visual appeal at bake sales—they’re sure to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Ooey Gooey Bars left (which is never a guarantee!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh. They’ll stay moist and tempting for up to a week—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat. Once they’ve cooled completely, layer them with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their signature gooeyness in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
While Ooey Gooey Bars are delicious straight from the fridge or at room temp, you can gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to recapture that freshly-baked magic. The filling gets perfectly melty, and the aroma will remind you why this dessert is such a timeless favorite!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the crust?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix provides that classic base, you can experiment with white, spice, or even chocolate cake mixes for a flavor twist. Just keep the ratios the same and enjoy your personalized version of Ooey Gooey Bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The trick is to look for golden edges and a lightly browned, crackly top while the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to overbake—gooey is the goal!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts are delicious stirred into the filling or sprinkled on top right before baking. It’s a fun way to give your Ooey Gooey Bars some extra texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Allowing the bars to cool fully is key. For the neatest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut. If you want picture-perfect edges, try chilling the pan before slicing.
Do Ooey Gooey Bars need to be refrigerated?
If you’re serving them within a couple of days, you can leave them covered at room temperature. For longer storage, keep bars refrigerated—especially since the filling contains cream cheese—for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist, don’t hesitate to give these Ooey Gooey Bars a try. Once you experience their creamy filling and buttery base, you might just find they become your new favorite treat to bake and share!
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Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars that are a perfect mix of cake and cheesecake flavors. With a buttery cake mix crust and a creamy cream cheese filling, these bars are a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crust: Mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg to form a dough. Press the dough into the baking dish.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden but gooey. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Don’t overbake—center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out.
- Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
