There is something irresistibly charming about a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between soft, sweet, and satisfyingly rich—this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe does exactly that. These bars are a luscious treat with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth, topped by a creamy, smooth filling that stays gooey in the center. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a straightforward way to impress friends and family with a Southern-style classic that’s delightfully decadent and endlessly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in developing its signature texture and vibrant flavor. From the buttery crust that forms the foundation to the creamy filling that makes these bars so addictive, every element is thoughtfully chosen to work in delicious harmony.
- Yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz): Provides a sweet, sturdy base that crisps up nicely during baking.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the crust for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the smooth and tangy filling that balances sweetness perfectly.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the filling ingredients and lend a velvety texture.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups, divided): Sweetens and thickens the filling while keeping it luxuriously smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures your bars don’t stick and come out clean and beautiful every time, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter until the texture is crumbly. This combination forms a sturdy, buttery crust that will crisp slightly, creating the foundation that supports the rich filling above.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Take a moment to smooth it well—uniform thickness here means an even bake and that perfect crispy-to-soft ratio in every bite.
Step 4: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. This step is key to achieving that creamy texture without lumps, which makes the filling heavenly.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
To the cream cheese, add the eggs, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This forms the base for your gooey, sweet topping that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly crust.
Step 6: Incorporate Remaining Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until everything is smooth and glossy. This gradual addition ensures no graininess, giving the filling its signature silky finish.
Step 7: Spread the Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust. An even layer is crucial as it guarantees that every piece of your Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe has that perfect gooey interior surrounded by golden edges.
Step 8: Bake Your Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for edges that are set and golden, while the center remains just slightly gooey—this is what makes these bars so exceptional and true to their name.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This resting period helps the filling to set just enough to cut cleanly without losing any of that wonderfully gooey texture inside.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe shines on its own but a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a pretty, delicate touch. For a little extra, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries will brighten the richness without overwhelming the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The cold creaminess complements the warmth and gooey texture perfectly, turning your dessert experience into a feel-good moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on mini dessert plates for parties. Another fun idea is to layer pieces between wax paper to stack in a treat box—perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them covered preserves that luscious texture and keeps them fresh for whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months, making ahead a breeze for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. To bring back that gooey magic, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes or microwave briefly—just enough to soften, not melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional here for its buttery flavor, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for different flavor twists. Just adjust any added spices accordingly to complement the base.
Why do the centers of the bars stay gooey?
The secret lies in the balance of cream cheese, sugar, and baking time. Baking until the edges are set but leaving the center slightly underbaked creates that signature soft, gooey goodness everyone loves in this recipe.
Can I make smaller portions with this recipe?
Yes, you can bake this recipe in smaller pans or even in a muffin tin for individual bars. Just be mindful of adjusting the baking time—smaller sizes will bake faster, so keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
Is this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The steps are simple, and the results are reliably delicious, making it an excellent go-to dessert to build confidence.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the filling?
Sure! Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips, a splash of almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for custom flavors. Just fold them gently into the filling before spreading to keep that smooth texture intact.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made this Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe, it’s hard to forget the rich, buttery crust paired with that irresistibly gooey cream cheese filling. It’s a nostalgic Southern delight that’s perfect for any occasion—whether for a casual family dessert or a stylish party treat. Go ahead and try it out; these bars might just become your new favorite sweet indulgence to share with everyone you love.
Print
Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Gooey Butter Cake Bars combine a buttery yellow cake crust with a rich, creamy cream cheese topping, creating a delightfully gooey and sweet dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they bake up with a golden edge and a luscious, soft center.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly with even butter distribution.
- Form crust layer: Press the crumbly cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform crust.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a mixer for best results.
- Add eggs and flavoring: Add the eggs, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat the mixture until it is creamy and well combined.
- Incorporate remaining sugar: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar to the mixture, continuing to beat until the filling is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared cake crust layer in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set and golden brown, while the center remains slightly gooey for that classic gooey butter texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares for serving. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Make sure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing with cake mix to prevent cooking the batter prematurely.
- The gooey center is intentional to achieve the signature texture of this dessert.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the cream cheese layer before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
