Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe: Soft, Sweet, and Totally Irresistible
Ooey Gooey Bars are everything their name promises—super soft, decadently sweet, and packed with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With a buttery cake mix base and a rich, creamy filling made with cream cheese and powdered sugar, these bars are a crowd-pleasing classic. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, holiday dessert table, or just a weekend indulgence, these bars deliver every time. The contrast between the golden, slightly crisp top and the gooey, custardy center creates an unforgettable texture that’s as addictive as it is delicious. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, with just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time.
What Makes These Bars Special?
Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect balance of convenience and decadence. They start with a simple boxed cake mix, but the results taste like something straight from a bakery. The cream cheese filling adds a rich tang that cuts through the sweetness, while the top bakes into a light crust that cracks perfectly with every bite. They’re ideal for feeding a crowd, and can easily be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Base Layer
In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and mix until fully combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If using, fold in white chocolate chips or nuts.
4. Pour and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly—don’t overbake! It will firm up as it cools.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Variations
- Chocolate Version: Use a chocolate cake mix and swirl in chocolate chips.
- Lemon Twist: Swap the yellow cake mix for lemon and add a little lemon zest to the filling.
- Holiday Style: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped pecans before baking for texture.
- Coconut Cream: Fold shredded coconut into the filling for tropical flair.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Best stored in the fridge for up to 1 week—bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between bars for up to 2 months.
My Cooking Experience
Ooey Gooey Bars have been in my baking rotation since the early days. They’re one of those recipes that impresses every time, without requiring much work. I’ve made them for bake sales, birthday parties, and casual weekends at home. They’re always the first thing gone! The texture is what wins everyone over—that gooey center is pure bliss.
Conclusion
Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat. Sweet, rich, and incredibly easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion that calls for something special. Whether you’re keeping it classic or customizing them with your favorite flavors, you’ll fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth bars after just one bite.
Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and mix until fully combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If using, fold in white chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly—don’t overbake! It will firm up as it cools.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Best stored in the fridge for up to 1 week—bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between bars for up to 2 months.
