why make this recipe
These Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars are rich, sweet, and very easy to make. They use a cake mix and a creamy layer that bakes into a soft, gooey center. You will get big flavor with little fuss. They work for potlucks, dessert plates, or a simple treat at home.
introduction
This recipe makes a thick, buttery bar with a soft, almost custard-like top. The bottom is a simple dough made from cake mix and butter. The top is a cream cheese mix that bakes into a gooey layer. If you like sweet, soft bars, this hits the spot. You can also try a different cake style like Butterscotch cake with caramel frosting for another home-baked treat idea.
how to make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Ingredients :
- 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ French Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 pound bag (about 3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a stand mixer, combine together the cream cheese, 2 eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cake mix layer.
- Bake bars for 45 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center has set to a soft consistency.
- Cool COMPLETELY before slicing into bars and serving.
how to serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Cut the bars into squares once they are fully cool. Serve at room temperature. You can dust with extra powdered sugar or add a spoon of whipped cream. They pair well with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
how to store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Cover the bars tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so the filling mixes smooth and without lumps.
- Press the bottom dough evenly so the top layer bakes evenly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. The filling firms as it cools.
- For a snack plate, serve with cookies like Chewy gooey sourdough chocolate chip cookies.
variation (if any)
- Use a different cake mix flavor like yellow or butter cake for a small change in taste.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for texture.
- Stir in a little lemon zest for a bright twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but the bars may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Q: Do I have to use the full bag of powdered sugar?
A: The powdered sugar makes the filling sweet and thick. You can reduce it a little, but the texture may change.
Q: Can I bake in a different pan size?
A: Yes. A larger pan will make thinner bars and bake faster. Check the bars earlier if you use a larger pan.
Q: Why did my center stay too soft?
A: You may need more bake time or your oven temperature may be low. Bake until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still soft.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check all labels. That will make the bars gluten-free.
Conclusion
For another simple take on gooey butter bars, check out 6-Ingredient Ooey Gooey Butter Bars – Garnish & Glaze. If you want more ideas for gooey butter cake variations, see Gooey Butter Cake Bars | Butter Your Biscuit.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture over the cake mix layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set to a soft consistency.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.