These Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadent, buttery dessert that brings together rich, creamy layers of sweetness with a slightly crisp crust. With a soft and gooey center that melts in your mouth, these bars are perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a treat that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the filling becomes smooth and thick.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust layer and spread it evenly using a spatula.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly set but still jiggles when shaken.
- The center should remain gooey, so be careful not to overbake.
5. Cool & Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired and serve.
These bars are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they’re just as delicious when cooled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.