Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect dessert for those who enjoy a rich, sweet treat. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
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Ultimate Dessert Texture: The buttery crust and creamy filling offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, these bars are a breeze to make, even for beginners.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Their sweet and gooey flavor makes them universally loved, ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.
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Flexible Serving: You can pair these bars with coffee, serve them with vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them as a stand-alone dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
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2 sticks butter (melted)
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1 egg
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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2 eggs (beaten)
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3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Directions
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Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. The dough will be thick and sticky. Press this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and powdered sugar, mixing until thick and creamy.
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Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread it evenly.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars should have a golden top with a jiggly center. Don’t overbake to maintain their gooey texture.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 bars
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars: Use chocolate cake mix for the crust and add chocolate chips to the filling.
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Lemon Ooey Gooey Bars: Replace the yellow cake mix with lemon cake mix and add lemon zest to the filling.
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Pumpkin Spice Bars: Use spice cake mix for the crust and add pumpkin pie spice to the filling.
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Nutty Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
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Coconut Bars: Stir shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them.
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Freezing: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They last up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How long should I let the bars cool?
Allow them to cool completely for 1-2 hours to ensure the filling sets properly.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors such as chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mix for a variety of flavors.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
You don’t have to refrigerate the bars, but doing so will extend their shelf life. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well for up to three months. Just wrap them individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the filling would make for a delightful chocolatey variation.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What can I serve these bars with?
Ooey Gooey Bars are perfect with coffee, milk, or even vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars store well for a few days, making them a great option for preparing in advance.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, simply halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish to adjust the quantity.
How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
Make sure to beat the cream cheese well and incorporate the powdered sugar slowly for a thick and creamy filling.
Conclusion
Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect balance of rich sweetness and satisfying texture, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this easy, indulgent dessert that everyone will love. Whether for a gathering or a casual snack, these bars are sure to please!
Ooey Gooey Bars
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a deliciously sweet dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake mix crust topped with a creamy, decadent filling. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
2 sticks butter (melted)
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs (beaten)
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. The dough will be thick and sticky. Press this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and powdered sugar, mixing until thick and creamy.
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Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread it evenly.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bars should have a golden top with a jiggly center. Don’t overbake to maintain their gooey texture.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
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Variations: Try different flavors with chocolate cake mix, lemon cake mix, or spice cake mix. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut to customize.
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Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. For freezing, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve with coffee, vanilla ice cream, or just enjoy on their own.