Description

Ooey Gooey Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert that combines a chewy, cake-like crust with a luscious, creamy cream cheese filling. This Southern-inspired treat is a perfect blend of textures—crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and satisfyingly gooey throughout. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether you serve them at a potluck, holiday gathering, or just a weekend indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs, beaten
1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar (approximately 3 ¾ cups)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
In a medium bowl, mix the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined and dough-like.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, and press the dough evenly into the pan to form the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and whisk until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, whisking until thick and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the center is still jiggly.
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours, before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Serve the bars at room temperature, and store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing the filling to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture. Don’t worry if the center seems underdone when you pull the bars from the oven; they will set as they cool, giving you that signature gooey texture. If you prefer a firmer bar, you can store them in the fridge, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature for the optimal ooey-gooey experience.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by using different cake mix flavors or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit preserves for an extra touch of flavor.