Get ready to fall in love with this Midwest classic: Gooey Butter Cake Bars. Every bite is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth adventure, with a golden cake base and a rich, creamy filling that walks the delightful line between cakey and custardy. If you’re someone who can’t resist the combination of simple pantry staples yielding incredible, bakery-worthy results, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, potluck, or just need an easy sweet fix, Gooey Butter Cake Bars deliver pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Gooey Butter Cake Bars comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each contributing in its own special way. From the moist cake base to the lusciously gooey top, every element matters for texture, flavor, and that signature look.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a fluffy, buttery foundation with minimal effort—look for a moist variety for best results.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds incredible richness and holds the base together for a tender bite.
- 1 Large Egg: Helps bind the cake mix base, making it soft but sturdy.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The secret to that dreamy, gooey layer on top; always opt for full-fat for supreme creaminess.
- 2 Large Eggs: Whipped into the filling for a silky texture and the perfect set.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it light and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance and amplify all the sweet, buttery goodness.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a thorough greasing—whether you use butter or nonstick spray, this small step ensures your Gooey Butter Cake Bars release cleanly and don’t stick to the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft, sticky dough forms. This mixture will be thick but pliable. Press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth layer. This base will rise ever so slightly and give the bars their signature chewy edge.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Filling
Now for the star of the show! In a second bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until velvety smooth. Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep beating until everything is creamy and lump-free—this luscious mixture is what will transform into the gooey topping as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base, smoothing it out to the edges with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s still slightly wobbly—don’t over-bake, as the gooeyness is what makes these bars extraordinary!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack; patience is key for clean cuts. Once cool, slice into bars and get ready to wow your taste buds. You can serve them at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Either way, the flavor and texture are pure magic.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Garnishes
The simplest and prettiest touch is a dusting of powdered sugar over the top right before serving. This not only brings a little sparkle but also hints at the sweetness inside. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few fresh berries add a pop of color and an extra touch of decadence.
Side Dishes
While Gooey Butter Cake Bars absolutely shine on their own, pairing them with something light and refreshing can create balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic, but a tangy fruit salad or a glass of cold milk also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and letting the flavors sing.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars don’t have to look ordinary! Stack them high on a tiered cake stand for a show-stopping dessert table centerpiece, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for adorable party favors. For a riff on tradition, layer sliced bars into a trifled dessert with berries and whipped cream for a new kind of treat—all the gooey goodness, just a little more playful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Gooey Butter Cake Bars keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any leftover bars to an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings or a perfect treat to snack on throughout the week.
Freezing
If you find yourself with more bars than you can enjoy right away, freezing is a great option. Arrange the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (placing parchment between layers to prevent sticking), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-baked taste, simply let bars come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you prefer them slightly warm but still gooey, this quick step gives them a just-baked aroma and revives their irresistible texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for Gooey Butter Cake Bars?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives that familiar buttery flavor, feel free to experiment with chocolate, spice, or even lemon cake mixes for a delicious twist. Each version will bring its own personality to the finished bars.
Why does the center seem underbaked when I take it out?
That gooey center is exactly what you want—if you bake until the middle is firm, you’ll lose the signature texture that makes these bars special. The center will firm up as it cools, so trust the recipe and let those edges guide you!
How do I get clean slices without the filling sticking to the knife?
For neat, bakery-worthy bars, let your Gooey Butter Cake Bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts for perfectly smooth edges. Chilling them briefly before slicing can also help with tidiness.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
These bars are the ultimate make-ahead treat! Bake them up to two days in advance and store them covered in the fridge. In fact, many people find the flavor deepens and the texture becomes even more perfect after a day’s rest.
Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?
For the richest, creamiest gooey layer, full-fat cream cheese is definitely preferable. Lower fat versions may lead to a thinner filling and less decadent results, so treat yourself to the real deal here!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful Gooey Butter Cake Bars are—easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and irresistibly gooey every single time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear (trust me, you might want to save a few for yourself!). Happy baking!
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Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Gooey Butter Cake Bars, a delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of powdered sugar on a buttery cake base.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl to form dough. Press into pan.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Layer and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over cake base. Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden and center is gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for extra flavor.
- Try using chocolate or spice cake mix for a variation.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
