Imagine a dessert bar so rich, so creamy, and so irresistibly gooey that it disappears from the plate before you can even steal a second piece — that’s exactly what you get with Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. This decadent treat marries the convenience of cake mix with the magic of cream cheese, creating melt-in-your-mouth bars that strike that perfect balance of buttery crust and luscious filling. Ideal for gatherings or a spontaneous baking session at home, these bars are pure comfort and never fail to spark joy, bite after heavenly bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great desserts don’t need to be complicated, and Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are proof of that. Each ingredient here plays a crucial part, whether building that signature golden crust or bringing pillowy softness to the creamy layer.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Acts as the quick-and-easy foundation, lending a moist, lightly sweet base that’s ready in a snap.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives that buttery richness and helps bind the crust for ultimate chewiness.
- Large Eggs (3 total): Separate for crust and filling, these add structure and a soft, custardy edge to the bars.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The hero of the gooey layer; make sure it’s fully softened for a velvety-smooth filling.
- Powdered Sugar (3 3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the creamy topping, making every bite fudgy and cloud-like.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and boosts all those classic bakery aromas to make your kitchen smell irresistible.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a generous greasing, and set it aside. Making sure your pan is well-prepared now means you’ll get clean, perfect slices at the end.
Step 2: Make the Crust Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir them together until you’ve got a thick, dough-like mixture. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure to get into every corner for the perfect base to your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth and lump-free. Add in the remaining two eggs, pour in the powdered sugar, and finish with the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined and glossy — the mixture should look airy and inviting.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust, smoothing it out so every bite gets its fair share of gooey richness. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, watching as the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown while the center stays slightly jiggly — that’s your gooey sweet spot!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars cool completely right in the pan. Patience is key here, as cooling helps the layers set for cleaner cutting and ultimate goo-factor. When cool, cut into bars and marvel at those buttery layers.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Garnishes
Dust the tops with extra powdered sugar for a dazzling finish, or scatter a handful of fresh berries to add a pop of color and tang that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a big mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing. For something extra-special, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes these bars into pure dessert heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack bars on a tiered dessert tray for bake sales or parties, cut them into bite-sized cubes for potlucks, or serve warm bars in bowls with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a show-stopping plated treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or keep them in the fridge for up to one week for a firmer, chilled texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked magic, pop bars into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back their gooey personality without overcooking the delicate filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Chocolate, white, or even spice cake mixes can add a unique twist. Just swap them in for the yellow cake mix to keep your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars exciting.
Why does my filling seem too runny after baking?
The center is supposed to be a little gooey, but if it’s downright runny, your bars may need a few more minutes in the oven. Just remember, they’ll set up more as they cool in the pan.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden, slightly puffed edge and a center that jiggles gently when shaken. If the whole pan wobbles like liquid, give it another 5 minutes, checking often.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free to safely enjoy Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Cool the bars completely before slicing, and use a sharp, clean knife. Wipe the blade between cuts to keep those pretty layers distinct and bakery-worthy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow family, friends, or just your own sweet tooth, Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are sure to do the trick. They’re comfort and celebration in every bite, and the secret is just how easy they are to whip up. Give them a try — I can almost guarantee your baking pan will return empty!
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
Indulge in the decadent delight of Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. These rich, creamy bars are a heavenly treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 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.
- Make Cake Base: In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg to form a dough. Press into the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are golden but center is gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Try using different cake mix flavors for variety.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
