Name: Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re in the mood to bake something fuss-free yet unforgettable, you’re in for a treat with Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars! These bars are irresistibly rich, decadently sweet, and come together with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Every bite delivers a buttery cake base topped with a luscious cream cheese layer that’s perfectly gooey in the middle and lightly golden at the edges. Whether you’re whipping them up for a potluck, family gathering, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, these bars disappear fast — and always earn rave reviews.

Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simplicity, and this recipe proves just that! Each ingredient for Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars plays a starring role in creating their signature texture and flavor. Here’s what you need—and why you need it:

Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This is the secret shortcut to a soft, buttery base, saving you time while delivering homemade taste.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter is what makes the crust extra rich and tender (don’t skimp on quality here!)
Eggs (3 large, divided): One egg in the crust for structure, and two in the filling for creaminess—and a little lift.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the gooey layer! Make sure it’s softened for silky results.
Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups): Sweetens the filling and gives it a cloud-light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing all the other flavors.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good grease with either butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks (and cleanup is a breeze). Setting up your pan first makes assembling your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars totally seamless.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms—there’s no need for an electric mixer here. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the sturdy, buttery base for the gooey layer to sit on.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and all that powdered sugar. Mix until you have a silky, fluffy filling that’s pale and luscious (a hand mixer works wonders here). This is what puts the “gooey butter” in Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, and spread it gently edge to edge for even baking. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the edges to look golden, but the center should still jiggle a bit when gently shaken—that’s the gooey magic.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Patience is key—let the bars cool completely in the pan so they can set up (they’ll be messy if you rush this part!). Once cooled, slice them into bars. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar if you want that classic finishing touch.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars

Garnishes

A light shower of powdered sugar makes these bars look straight from a bakery. For special occasions, a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries brighten up the whole dessert.

Side Dishes

Creamy vanilla ice cream is fantastic with warm Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. For a contrasting bite, serve alongside a mug of coffee or even a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into triangles, diamonds, or even bite-size pieces for a dessert platter. Layer squares in parfait glasses with berries and cream for an elegant twist on traditional bar cookies. Individually wrap them for bake sale or lunchbox treats—everyone loves a portable surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars keep beautifully! Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay moist and rich for up to five days. The flavors get even better after a day or two—if they last that long.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour or so.

Reheating

For that just-baked gooeyness, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. You’ll be rewarded with a warm, creamy square that tastes like it’s straight from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Chocolate, spice, lemon, or even red velvet cake mix all work great and add a fun twist to Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. Just pick your favorite and follow the same steps.

Should I use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest texture—the classic choice for Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. While low-fat options can be used in a pinch, you might sacrifice a bit of that signature gooiness.

Why is my filling runny after baking?

If the center still seems very liquid, your bars may need a bit more time in the oven. However, the filling should remain slightly jiggly in the center when done—it will firm up as it cools. Don’t overbake to maintain that coveted gooey texture!

Are these bars best eaten cold or at room temperature?

Honestly, they’re delicious both ways! Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars chilled from the fridge for a dense, fudgy bite, or let them come to room temperature for maximum gooeyness.

Can I add mix-ins to the filling?

Yes! A handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirls of your favorite jam take these bars to the next level. Just fold in your extras after mixing the filling, then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a fast, fail-proof dessert that delivers on maximum comfort, you’ve got to try Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. Each square is pure bliss and sure to win laughter, smiles, and inevitable requests for your recipe! Don’t be surprised when these bars become your go-to treat for every gathering (and late-night craving) you can imagine.

Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of these Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. A simple yet decadent dessert that combines the flavors of buttery cake mix, creamy cream cheese, and sweet powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Cake Base: In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg to form a dough. Press into dish.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add 2 eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Spread over the cake base.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Serve: Cool completely before slicing into bars.