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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange the rack in the center position.
- Protect the 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create the crust foundation by thoroughly blending yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a cohesive dough forms.
- Firmly press the cake mix mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, compact layer across the bottom.
- Whip the cream cheese in a separate mixing bowl until silky and free of lumps.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
- Gradually fold powdered sugar into the cream cheese blend, mixing continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Stream in melted butter and integrate thoroughly, creating a luscious filling with a velvety texture.
- Delicately pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature to set the bars properly.
- 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