If you’re craving something delightfully rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible, look no further than this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe. These bars combine a soft, buttery crust with a luscious, creamy filling that’s perfectly gooey in the center. Every bite delivers that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your dessert cravings. Whether you’re making a treat for a party or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, these bars are a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up with a handful of pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but delicious with these essential ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the base with a tender, buttery crumb that’s easy to work with.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust for that perfect buttery texture.
- Cream cheese: Gives the gooey filling a velvety smooth, tangy richness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet crust.
- Eggs: Create structure and help set the creamy filling without drying it out.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling to achieve that signature gooey consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma and subtle depth.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your bars won’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted unsalted butter. Stir them together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then press this crumbly mix evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a buttery, golden crust that serves as the foundation of your bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a separate large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Next, add in the eggs, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients
Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until the filling is velvety smooth and well combined. This step is key to achieving the luscious gooeyness that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover every inch for consistent gooeyness. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to watch for edges that look set and golden while keeping the center a bit soft and slightly gooey. That balance is the magic of this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling lets the gooey filling set just right, ensuring clean cuts and perfect bars ready to share or savor yourself.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are heavenly on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a charming finishing touch. For extra indulgence, try topping with fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream to brighten the sweet richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Butter Cake Bars with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries also make a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual get-together or arrange cut squares neatly on a beautiful dessert platter for a party. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a pretty ribbon also makes a delightful gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them—this also helps the bars firm up, making them easier to slice and handle.
Freezing
You can freeze Gooey Butter Cake Bars for up to three months. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, gently reheat bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm them in a low oven until the gooey center softens back up. This is perfect for when you want that fresh-baked feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, but the classic yellow cake mix is preferred for balancing sweetness and texture. Chocolate or spice mixes can alter the flavor significantly, which may or may not complement the gooey filling.
Is cream cheese necessary?
Absolutely! The cream cheese is what gives these bars their signature gooey creaminess and tang. Substituting it will change the texture and flavor drastically.
Why is the center still gooey after baking?
This gooey center is intentional and the hallmark of the recipe. It’s what makes these bars so special and indulgent. Just ensure you bake until the edges are set to avoid underbaking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including vanilla extract and powdered sugar, are also free from gluten-containing additives.
How thick should I spread the crust and filling?
Press the crust in an even, firm layer on the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly but not too thickly—about the same thickness as the crust—so the bars bake perfectly gooey throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves rich, creamy desserts that come together quickly with simple ingredients. Once you taste that perfect blend of buttery crust and luscious, gooey filling, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars again and again. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, indulgent delight. You won’t regret it!
Print
Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a luscious dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection, these bars have a slightly gooey center that makes them irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars won’t stick.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Remaining Sugar: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden and set, while the center remains slightly gooey for that signature texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should stay a bit gooey for the perfect texture.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
