Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a delightful treat with a rich, creamy topping over a buttery cake base. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings or when you want a comforting sweet bite at home.

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 4 large eggs, divided
• 2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 cups confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal of the bars.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Using a hand mixer, beat until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the cake mixture evenly into the parchment-lined baking dish. Spray the back of a spoon with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla using a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the cream cheese batter over the cake layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into slices.

Tips & Variations

• For a festive touch, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake batter before baking.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in the topping.
• Use nonstick cooking spray on the spoon to help press the base evenly without sticking.

Storage

Store Gooey Butter Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat lightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired to bring back some gooeyness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, while yellow cake mix is classic, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for a different twist.

Do I have to line the pan with parchment paper?

Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier, but you can also grease the pan thoroughly if you don’t have parchment available.

Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a decadent, rich dessert featuring a buttery cake base topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Prepare Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat until well combined.
3. Press Cake Mixture: Spread the cake mixture evenly into the parchment-lined baking dish. Spray the back of a spoon with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture firmly to create an even layer.
4. Make Cream Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base and spread with a spatula. Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is set and edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother topping layer.
• Do not overbake; the center should be set but still slightly gooey for the best texture.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can dust the cooled bars with extra confectioners’ sugar for a pretty finish.

Keywords: gooey butter cake, cake bars, cream cheese dessert, easy dessert, baked dessert