If you’ve ever longed for the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and impossibly tender, these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are exactly what you need in your dessert repertoire. With a chewy base and a luscious, creamy topping, every bite delivers pure comfort and nostalgia. Whether for a potluck, family gathering, or a special treat just for you, this classic recipe always turns heads and disappears fast. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars, they might just become your most-requested dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of pantry staples go into these bars, but each one plays an important role in making the final product rich, flavorful, and just the right kind of gooey. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you really don’t want to skip a thing.
- Yellow cake mix: The reliable shortcut that gives your bars a moist, golden foundation with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a rich, buttery note and keeps the base tender and indulgent.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding both layers and adding structure, plus a touch of richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the gooey top, lending a tangy, creamy bite that’s unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the topping, keeping every bite as smooth as silk.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and gives that signature, warm bakery aroma.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A quick spritz of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter will do the trick, ensuring your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars come out smooth and easy to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. As you stir, you’ll notice the mixture pulling together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Spread or press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure you get into all the corners so the base is uniform and bakes up perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
Grab a clean bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and lump-free—this sets the stage for ultra-smooth bars. Now, add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well; it’ll look luscious and creamy, and that’s exactly what you want. Pour this decadent mixture right onto your cake layer, gently smoothing it to the edges.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for gently golden edges and a center that still jiggles just a bit when you nudge the pan. This is the sweet spot—the middle should set up as it cools, but always remain delightfully gooey, just as a true Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bar should be.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Resist the temptation to cut right in! Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. This patience pays off—the bars will set up into neat slices while still keeping that trademark gooey core. Once fully cool, cut into even squares and marvel at your handiwork.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar takes these bars to the next level, making them even prettier and adding a hint of extra sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh berries or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars truly stand out on the dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for full-on bliss. You might also love them with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a glass of cold milk—the creaminess and sweetness are a perfect match for your favorite cozy beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, try cutting the bars into triangles, stacking them in alternating layers on a platter, or wrapping each one in colorful parchment for grab-and-go treats. For birthdays or celebrations, tiny flags or pretty sprinkles add a festive flair to every Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extras (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The cream cheese layer stays safest and freshest this way, and you’ll notice the bars become even more decadent overnight.
Freezing
These bars freeze like a dream! Individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then pop them all into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you need a sweet fix, just pull one or two out—no need to thaw the whole batch.
Reheating
For the classic gooey texture, let chilled bars come to room temperature before serving or warm them for just 10–15 seconds in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, give them a bit longer or let them thaw in the fridge first.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars?
Absolutely! Spice cake, chocolate, or even red velvet mixes give these bars a fun twist. Each brings a new depth of flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Why is my cream cheese layer runny?
If the bars seem runny, it may be because they haven’t cooled completely, or they were slightly underbaked. Be sure to let them set at room temperature after baking, and don’t worry—gooey is the goal, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making them a day in advance often results in bars that slice cleaner and taste even richer since the flavors have time to meld in the refrigerator.
How do I get the perfect gooey center?
Bake until the edges are golden and the center is just a little jiggly. Don’t overbake, since the bars will continue to set as they cool—this is the magic moment that gives the recipe its name.
Are Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars suitable for vegetarians?
They sure are. The recipe is totally vegetarian-friendly, making it great for all kinds of gatherings and occasions.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are my go-to when I crave something simple, outrageously delicious, and guaranteed to please. If you love buttery, creamy desserts with a hint of nostalgia, give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself baking batch after batch for every occasion!
Print
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars that are easy to make and utterly delicious. A delightful marriage of gooey, creamy, and cakey textures in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press into the pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over cake layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a variation, experiment with spice or chocolate cake mix.
- Bars will set as they cool but retain a gooey center.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
