Ooey Gooey Bars

Ooey Gooey Bars are a rich, decadent dessert with a buttery crust and a creamy, mouth-watering filling. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you’re craving something sweet. The combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a dessert that’s both crispy on the edges and deliciously gooey in the center.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)

2 sticks butter (melted)

1 egg

For the Filling:

1 package cream cheese (softened)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 box powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking of the bars.

Mix the Crust Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky, similar to cookie dough.

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Press the Crust into the Pan:

Gently press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring it’s firmly packed.

Prepare the Filling

Beat the Cream Cheese:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.

Add the Eggs:

Add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese and whisk until well mixed, resulting in a smooth, slightly frothy blend.

Add the Powdered Sugar:

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated. The filling should be thick and creamy.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the Filling over the Crust:

Carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Bake the Bars:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be slightly golden, with a jiggly center. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.

Cool Completely:

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which should take about 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for the filling to set properly.

Serve

Cut and Serve:

Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Savor:

Serve the bars at room temperature. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.