Homemade Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Craving something sinfully delicious, these ooey gooey bars promise a sweet escape from ordinary desserts.

Decadent layers of melted chocolate and gooey caramel create an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Soft, rich textures blend perfectly with a buttery graham cracker base that provides a delightful crunch.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Comfort and indulgence come together in a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these heavenly bars that are sure to become a instant favorite.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use a cake mix for the crust?

Using a cake mix creates an incredibly easy and foolproof crust that provides a consistent texture and saves time compared to making a traditional scratch crust. It also adds a subtle sweetness and ensures a perfect base for the creamy filling.

• Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works best, white or vanilla cake mix can also create delicious results. The key is choosing a mix that complements the rich, creamy filling and provides a stable base for the bars.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top with a slightly jiggly center. The edges should be set, but the middle should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the bars will be wonderfully gooey and not overbaked or dry.

What Makes Ooey Gooey Bars So Hard to Resist

• Blast Through Baking: Minimal steps and basic ingredients make this recipe a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Rich, creamy texture with sweet cake mix crust guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
• Sweet Simplicity: No fancy equipment needed – just a mixing bowl, baking dish, and standard kitchen tools to create a decadent treat that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows for creative twists like adding chocolate chips, nuts, or drizzling caramel on top to match personal taste preferences.

Everything You Need for Ooey Gooey Bars

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a sweet and tender foundation for the dessert bars.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together with a delicious flavor.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps create a cohesive texture in both the crust and filling.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling that gives the bars their signature creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps create a silky smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

• Parchment Paper: Optional lining that helps easily remove the bars from the baking dish.
• Extra Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a decorative and sweet finishing touch.

How to Make the Best Ooey Gooey Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This will create the perfect baking environment for your delightful dessert.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg

Blend these ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture. Press this delectable base evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a golden foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab another bowl and grab your mixer. Beat the cream cheese until silky smooth.

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, continuing to blend until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.

Pour in melted butter and mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Gently pour the creamy filling over your prepared crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top with a slightly gooey center.

Step 5: Cool and Indulge

Allow the bars to cool completely. This patience will help them set perfectly.

Slice into squares and serve. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for Soft and Sticky Ooey Gooey Bars

• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Press cake mix crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won't become mushy when adding filling.
• Watch bars closely after 35 minutes to avoid overcooking; they should have a golden top with a slightly jiggly center.
• Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
• Swap yellow cake mix with chocolate or add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit preserves for unique flavor variations.

Flavor Twists for Ooey Gooey Bar Fans

• Chocolate Lover's Bar: Replace yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to filling, and sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Lemon Burst Bar: Swap vanilla extract with lemon extract, add lemon zest to filling, use white cake mix for crust, and garnish with fresh lemon slices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free yellow cake mix, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and taste.
• Reduced Sugar Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and decrease butter quantity for lighter dessert.

Perfect Pairings for Ooey Gooey Bars

• Brew a rich, smooth cappuccino or latte to complement the sweet, gooey texture of the bars. The warm coffee cuts through the richness and balances the dessert's sweetness.
• Serve a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm bars. The contrast between hot and cold creates a delightful sensory experience that elevates the dessert.
• Select a sweet moscato or late harvest riesling to harmonize with the bars' sugary profile. The wine's light, fruity notes provide a delicate counterpoint to the dense, rich dessert.

Storing Ooey Gooey Bars for Later Treats

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into squares, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible “Ooey Gooey Bars” promise a delightful journey through layers of sweet, creamy indulgence. Chocolate chips and rich cream cheese combine in a dessert that will melt hearts and satisfy sugar cravings with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 cups (450 grams) powdered sugar

Binders and Liquids:

• 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange the rack in the center position.
2. Protect the 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Create the crust foundation by thoroughly blending yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Firmly press the cake mix mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, compact layer across the bottom.
5. Whip the cream cheese in a separate mixing bowl until silky and free of lumps.
6. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
7. Gradually fold powdered sugar into the cream cheese blend, mixing continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
8. Stream in melted butter and integrate thoroughly, creating a luscious filling with a velvety texture.
9. Delicately pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
10. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface with a slightly jiggly center.
11. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature to set the bars properly.
12. Slice into squares and optionally dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect gooey texture by removing the bars from the oven when the center is still slightly jiggly, as it will continue to set while cooling.
• Prevent sticking by using parchment paper with overhang, making it easy to lift and slice the bars cleanly.
• Customize the flavor by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or swirling in caramel sauce into the cream cheese filling for extra indulgence.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg