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
Scale
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
