If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery treats that practically melt in your mouth, these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars will absolutely steal your heart! This recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into a luscious, two-layered bar that’s creamy on top with a soft, tender base—a perfect balance between a cake and a cheesecake. They’re foolproof to make, ridiculously addictive, and guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up on a Tuesday, these bars are about to become your go-to recipe for a little slice of nostalgic joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars is their simplicity—just a few ingredients, each doing something special to create that iconic gooey, buttery bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Yellow Cake Mix: The quick ticket to a flavorful, tender base—choose a high-quality mix for best results, or try butter or vanilla flavor for a creative twist.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates a super-rich, moist layer that holds everything together—always use unsalted so you can control the saltiness!
- Large Eggs (divided): One binds the base while the other two make the cream cheese topping extra creamy and rich.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the gooey layer—let it come to room temperature for the smoothest texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth, fudge-like consistency to the bars—don’t skimp here!
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out both the flavor and aroma, making every bite taste bakery-fresh.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—this keeps the bars from sticking and makes for easy removal later. If you like to play it extra safe with sticky desserts, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one of the eggs. Mix until a soft, dough-like batter forms. This layer should be slightly sticky—think sugar cookie dough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, pushing it out to the corners for a uniform base. This buttery bottom is what sets the stage for the gooey magic on top.
Step 3: Mix Up the Gooey Layer
Switch to a fresh bowl and beat the cream cheese until it’s super smooth and fluffy. Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and perfectly blended—no lumps allowed! You’re aiming for a thick, pourable batter that will set up into that dreamy gooey layer everyone loves in Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the silky cream cheese mixture over the cake layer. Spread it evenly from corner to corner with a spatula so every bite features both layers. The two parts will bake together and create that signature “gooey but set” consistency that makes these bars so irresistible!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s set but still has a gentle jiggle when you give the pan a nudge. Don’t worry if it seems a bit soft—it’ll firm up as it cools. Overbaking will make the bars less gooey, so err on the side of slightly underdone.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. For perfect squares, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe clean between cuts. Want to really impress? Dust the tops with a little extra powdered sugar once they’re cool—it’s a sweet, snowy finish that takes these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars over the top!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect final touch, sift a generous dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled bars. Looking to fancy things up? Try a dollop of whipped cream or a scatter of fresh berries—raspberries or sliced strawberries add gorgeous color and a pop of tartness. If you want to play up the decadence, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce is never a bad idea.
Side Dishes
These bars are plenty rich on their own, but they pair beautifully with something simple like fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter, add them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or lemon bars for a mix of flavors and textures. If you’re serving them after a meal, a fresh cup of coffee or cold glass of milk really hits the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into bite-sized squares for dessert buffets or potlucks—perfect for popping in your mouth with one hand while you mingle. For special occasions, arrange them on a pretty platter with alternating rows of berries or mint leaves. You can even stack the bars and tie them up with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift that’s guaranteed to wow anyone who’s lucky enough to receive it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, transfer them to the fridge, where they’ll keep for another three to four days. The bars stay soft and gooey, but you may want to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! Once cooled and cut, layer the bars between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They’re still delicious—maybe even a little fudgier after being frozen!
Reheating
If you love your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars just a touch warm, zap individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back a little of that irresistible gooeyness. Just don’t overheat, or they’ll lose their wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment with butter, vanilla, or even spice cake for a seasonal twist. Just keep an eye on bake time with any substitutions.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
They can be left at room temperature for up to two days, but if you have leftovers after that, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
How do I get the bars out of the pan cleanly?
Lining your baking pan with parchment paper will make lifting the whole batch out a breeze. Once cooled, use a sharp knife (clean between cuts!) for the neatest results.
Can I reduce the sugar?
The powdered sugar is essential for the gooey layer’s texture and classic flavor, so reducing it will change the consistency and taste. For best results, stick to the recipe as written.
Are these bars gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again—simple, dreamy, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to try them. Don’t wait for a special occasion; gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this sweet, Southern-inspired indulgence. Once you taste that signature gooey bite, you’ll understand why it’s a bakery classic turned homemade favorite in our house!
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Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars, a delightful fusion of buttery cake mix, creamy cheese, and sweet powdered sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into pan.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese, add eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Pour over cake layer.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Bars will firm up as they cool.
- Enhance flavor with different cake mix varieties.
- Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
