There is something incredibly comforting and indulgent about a rich, buttery dessert that melts in your mouth, and this Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe hits every mark perfectly. Combining the nostalgic flavors of a yellow cake mix with the tangy, creamy goodness of cream cheese, these bars come out irresistibly soft, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to whip up for family gatherings or an easy dessert that stands out on any potluck table, these bars deliver that perfect balance of gooey texture and just the right sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a luscious dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the buttery crust to the smooth cream cheese filling, ensuring a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the buttery crust and provides the classic cake flavor that everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture, helping to hold the crust together beautifully.
- Large eggs (3): They bind ingredients and contribute to the creamy filling’s smooth consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient giving that irresistible tang and ultra-creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling, creating a gooey finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant, warm note.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at just the right temperature. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent sticking and allows the bars to come out clean when sliced.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one of the eggs. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough that’s easy to press. This dough forms the base of your bars, and pressing it evenly into the prepared baking dish creates a sturdy yet tender crust that holds all the gooey goodness on top.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling is completely combined, silky, and free of lumps. This luscious filling is what makes the bars so delightfully gooey and rich.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crust layer. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, and the center still holds a slight jiggle, indicating the perfect gooey texture inside.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars. This cooling step lets the gooey filling set just enough to hold its shape, making the bars easier to cut and serve without losing their luscious softness.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate the presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy look. Fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate also add a pop of color and complementary flavors that bring an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their richness. For an extra special dessert plate, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee or tea that contrasts the sweet gooeyness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting these bars into bite-sized squares and skewering them with fresh fruit for fun dessert kabobs at parties. You can also layer chunks of the bars in parfait glasses with layers of yogurt or mousse for an impressive, textural treat that’s sure to wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe bars in an airtight container to keep them soft and flavorful. They will keep well at room temperature for up to three days, making them great for serving over a weekend or sharing with neighbors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars can be kept for up to two months without losing that signature gooey texture after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back the freshly-baked warmth, reheat bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. They will soften up delightfully, just like freshly baked — perfect for an indulgent snack any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic yellow cake mix gives a traditional taste, you can experiment with chocolate, spice, or even funfetti cake mixes to create different flavors that suit your mood or occasion.
Why does the center need to be slightly gooey after baking?
The slightly gooey center is what gives these bars their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. If fully set, the bars might turn cakey and lose that luscious creaminess that makes this recipe so special.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities, just make sure all other ingredients, like the cream cheese and powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How long do these bars last when refrigerated?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars will maintain their texture and flavor for up to one week in the refrigerator, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead of time for events.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is straightforward. Use a larger baking pan or bake in two pans to ensure even cooking and the perfect gooey texture throughout.
Final Thoughts
If you are craving a dessert that is both incredibly easy to make and decadently delicious, you cannot go wrong with the Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe. Its blend of creamy filling and buttery crust has a way of bringing a smile with every bite, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover how quickly it becomes one of your go-to sweet treats!
Print
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars, a perfectly sweet and creamy dessert made with a simple cake mix base and a luscious cream cheese topping. These bars are easy to make, featuring a buttery crust and a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for any occasion, they combine convenience with indulgence for a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until the mixture forms a thick dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even crust layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the crust completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown but the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars and serving.
Notes
- For a variation, substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate or spice cake mix to change the flavor profile.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.
