The Ultimate Rich, Creamy, and Irresistibly Sweet Dessert!
These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a decadent cross between a cookie, cake, and cheesecake, with a buttery crust and a luscious cream cheese-powdered sugar topping that stays gloriously gooey. Originating from St. Louis, this dessert is easy to make with a cake mix shortcut and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a midnight snack, these bars are impossible to resist—just one bite will have you hooked!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for richness)
- 1 large egg (binds the dough)
For the Gooey Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar (yes, it’s a lot—embrace the sweetness!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment for easy removal).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.
- Press firmly into the pan (use wet fingers to avoid sticking).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Pre-bake the crust for 5 mins for extra crispiness (optional).
3️⃣ Prepare the Gooey Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs, mixing well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until silky (no lumps!).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid clumps.
4️⃣ Layer & Bake
- Pour filling over the crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake 30–35 mins until the top is set but still jiggly (edges may crack slightly).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Don’t overbake! The center should stay gooey.
5️⃣ Cool & Slice
- Cool completely (2+ hours) before cutting—this helps the filling set.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel before serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
✅ Yes! Try devil’s food mix for chocolate-gooey bars.
2. Why is my filling cakey, not gooey?
- Overbaked (check at 30 mins).
- Overmixed (stop once just combined).
3. Can I halve the recipe?
✅ Yes! Use an 8×8-inch pan and bake 25–30 mins.
4. How do I store leftovers?
- Room temp (covered): 2 days
- Fridge: Up to 5 days
- Freeze: 3 months (thaw in fridge)
5. Can I add mix-ins?
✅ Try: Chocolate chips, pecans, or a cinnamon swirl (mix 1 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar into filling).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to filling.
- Lemon Blueberry: Use lemon cake mix and fold 1 cup blueberries into filling.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl ½ cup melted peanut butter into filling before baking.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use a hand mixer for smoother filling.
✔ Make ahead: Bake, cool, and refrigerate overnight (serve chilled or room temp).
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
- Brunch dessert (pair with coffee)
- Holiday cookie trays (cut into small squares)
💬 Final Thoughts
These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are pure indulgence—crispy-edged, creamy-centered, and impossibly rich. The cake mix shortcut makes them effortless, but they taste like you spent hours baking!
Warning: Highly addictive. Bake at your own risk! 😉🍰
Tried them? Tag us in your pics! 📸👇
