If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that melt in your mouth, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe. It combines the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese with a buttery yellow cake base, resulting in bars that are as decadent as they are comforting. Every bite offers a perfect balance of smooth creaminess and a tender, golden crumb that simply makes it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a special treat at home, these bars are guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet delivers an incredible flavor that hits all the right notes. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the box of yellow cake mix that forms a rich and buttery foundation, to the cream cheese that lends a dreamy, smooth texture. The eggs, sugar, and vanilla introduce the perfect sweetness and aroma, while a touch of flour and salt help everything come together beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides a moist and flavorful base that’s easy to work with and bakes perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the base layer hold together nicely.
- Eggs (3 total): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to both layers of the bars.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates that signature gooey, creamy texture that makes these bars irresistible.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer without overpowering the balance.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps set the cream cheese layer while keeping it tender.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for a light dusting to add an elegant and sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting your 9×13-inch baking dish ready with grease or parchment paper. Mix your yellow cake mix with melted butter and one egg; the mixture will be somewhat thick but that’s exactly what you want. Press this evenly into the pan to form the base layer and bake it until it is lightly golden and set—this gives you the perfect sturdy bottom for the creamy topping.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Layer
While the base is baking, whip together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth. Adding two eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt next transforms this mixture into the lush, creamy layer that makes these bars so special. Whisk until everything is fully combined and velvety.
Step 3: Bake the Layers Together
Once the base has come out of the oven, pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cream cheese layer should be set and lightly golden at the edges. A toothpick test will help ensure it’s done—expect a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate them for at least two hours. This step helps the bars firm up, making them easier to slice without losing that gooey texture that you love. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are brilliant all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation instantly by adding a snowy, delicate finish. For special occasions, try drizzling a bit of melted chocolate or a raspberry coulis to introduce color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
Serving these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes for a dreamy dessert duo. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries also work wonderfully to cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into smaller, bite-sized squares to serve at gatherings or alongside coffee. You can also layer them with fruit preserves in a trifle glass to make an eye-catching parfait version. Another fun idea is to top each bar with a thin slice of fresh fruit or edible flowers for a charming touch at brunch or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Cream Cheese Gooey Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors meld wonderfully as they sit, and the texture remains just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars either before or after cutting them into portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to three months without losing their gooey charm. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but baking retains the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor balance with the cream cheese layer.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softening the cream cheese to room temperature is important. It ensures the cream cheese layer becomes smooth and free of lumps, which is key for that signature gooey texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cream cheese layer with a gluten-free flour blend. This helps maintain the texture while keeping the recipe accessible.
Why do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
Chilling the bars helps the cream cheese layer firm up, which prevents it from being too soft or messy when slicing. It also enhances the flavors and texture, making for a better eating experience.
Can I add fruit to the recipe?
Yes, adding swirls of fruit preserves or fresh berries on top before baking is a lovely idea. Just be careful not to add too much moisture, or it might affect how the bars set.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe enough because it has quickly become one of my all-time favorite desserts to bake and share. It’s simple, impressive, and so delicious that everyone will ask for seconds. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting friends and family, these bars deliver that perfect gooey, creamy comfort in every bite. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Gooey Bars feature a rich and buttery yellow cake base topped with a smooth, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful combination of tender cake and luscious cream cheese filling, making them an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Dusting (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting on top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir the ingredients until well combined into a thick mixture.
- Form and Bake the Base: Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the base is lightly golden and set.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: While the base bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the cream cheese mixture, add the 2 eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Beat everything together until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Layers: When the base is finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm base, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the Combined Layers: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and lightly golden. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares to ensure the layers firm up nicely.
- Optional Dusting: Before serving, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy the gooey, creamy texture of these delightful dessert bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Make sure not to overbake the cream cheese layer to maintain its gooey consistency.
- Chilling the bars after baking helps with clean cuts and enhances flavor.
- These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking.
