Directions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Finally, pour in the melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the filling to remain gooey.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Tips and Variations
Flavor Variations: Try using different flavors of cake mix for the crust, such as chocolate or spice cake, to give the bars a new twist.
Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Toppings: Dust the cooled bars with additional powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, or top with fresh fruit.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
