Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe for Happy Tummies

Decadent chocolate chip ooey gooey bars promise pure dessert bliss with every single bite.

These sweet squares deliver comfort wrapped in sugary goodness.

Chocolate lovers cannot resist the rich, melting center that oozes with each slice.

The simple recipe combines classic ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that disappears quickly at gatherings.

Butter, cream cheese, and chocolate chips create a dreamy texture that melts on your tongue.

Baking these bars fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

One taste will convince you these are the ultimate indulgent dessert worth every delicious calorie.

Ooey Gooey Bars: Pure Indulgence

  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze for bakers of all skill levels, from newbies to seasoned pros.
  • These bars deliver irresistible sweet indulgence that appeals to everyone from kids to adults, perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
  • Experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavored extracts to make the recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
  • Rich, creamy filling and buttery cake mix crust combine for a decadent dessert that scratches the itch for something wonderfully sugary and comforting.

Everything for Making Ooey Gooey Bars

Base Layer:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and sweetness to the dessert.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the crust together.
  • Egg: Provides moisture and helps create a cohesive crust.
Filling Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy, and creamy filling that gives the bars their signature texture.
  • Eggs: Helps to set the filling and provide a rich, custard-like consistency.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Finishing Touch:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a light, sweet dusting that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness to the bars.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.

Bakeware & Tools for Ooey Gooey Bar Success

  • Electric mixer: Perfect for blending cream cheese filling smoothly and easily.
  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Crucial for creating perfectly sized gooey bars.
  • Fork: Helpful for mixing cake mix crust ingredients quickly.
  • Measuring cups: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Measuring spoons: Needed for precise vanilla extract amount.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading crust and scraping mixing bowls.
  • Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining filling and crust ingredients.

How to Whip Up Ooey Gooey Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Grab these ingredients:
  • Cake mix
  • Butter
  • Egg

Dive in with a fork and mix these buddies until they form a dry, crumbly texture.

Press this mixture firmly into the pan, covering the entire bottom and slightly creeping up the sides.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Filling

Set aside a portion of powdered sugar for later.

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla

Gradually blend in the remaining powdered sugar until the mixture becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Gently pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust, making sure it spreads evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 6: Cool and Dust

Let the bars rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

Sprinkle the reserved powdered sugar on top like a delicate snow.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Extra Ooey Gooey Goodness

  • Mix cake mix ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender and not tough.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and mix slowly to ensure a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
  • Watch for golden brown top and slightly jiggly center, which indicates perfectly baked bars.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean, neat bar cuts.
  • Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Mix-Up Ideas for Ooey Gooey Bars

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Replace yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix and add dark chocolate chips to the filling for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Fruit Fusion Edition: Incorporate raspberry or strawberry preserves swirled into cream cheese filling for a fruity, tangy contrast to the sweet base.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with a monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.

Best Ways to Present Gooey Bars

  • Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the rich, sweet flavor.
  • Dessert Presentation Magic: Dust with extra powdered sugar right before serving and cut into neat squares for elegant presentation.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with fresh berries or mint leaves to add color and slight freshness to the dessert.
  • Portable Treat Option: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for easy potluck, picnic, or lunchbox treats that stay neat and delicious.

Storing Ooey Gooey Bars to Keep Them Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the gooey texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with various cake mix flavors like chocolate, yellow, or strawberry to create unique Ooey Gooey Bars.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly set edges. The center might still seem slightly jiggly, which is normal for these gooey bars.

  • What makes the filling so creamy?

The combination of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar creates a smooth, rich filling that becomes deliciously gooey when baked.

  • Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

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Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible ooey gooey bars combine rich chocolate layers with creamy caramel for a sinful dessert experience. Sweet squares deliver pure indulgence with each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (18.25 ounces / 517 grams) yellow cake mix
  • 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 box (16 ounces / 454 grams) powdered sugar

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter
  • 3 eggs

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg using a fork until a crumbly texture forms. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, ensuring even coverage of the bottom and slightly up the sides.
  3. Set aside 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for later. In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until the filling becomes creamy and well-integrated.
  4. Carefully pour the creamy filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top develops a golden-brown color and the filling appears set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Dust the top generously with the reserved powdered sugar. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother crust texture.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to press the crust evenly, creating a uniform base for the gooey filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Prevent over-browning by tenting the pan with aluminum foil if the top starts to darken too quickly during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 319
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 261 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 76 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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