If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible, let me introduce you to Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. These bars are a Midwest classic at heart, taking the beloved gooey butter cake and giving it a fuss-free twist with cake mix, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples. Every bite is a dreamy combination of a buttery, cookie-like crust and a luscious, sweetly tangy filling—all crowned with a delicately crackled top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars lies in their simplicity. Every single ingredient does a little part to make these bars luscious, rich, and decadent, from the golden yellow cake mix base that turns into a soft crust to the sweet, creamy topping everyone will fight over.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This shortcut ingredient creates the perfect buttery base and keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter makes the base rich and chewy, adding a lovely golden color and depth.
- Large eggs (3, divided): Eggs bind everything together and help both the crust and the gooey topping set just right.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For that signature velvety-smooth, tangy filling layer—be sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): This gives the top layer its shiny crackle and irresistible sweetness throughout each bar.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla rounds out the flavors for a fragrant, homey aroma you’ll love as they bake.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when the bars go in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—nonstick spray or a slick of butter both work. This keeps cleanup easy and ensures every morsel comes out in one delightful piece.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, the melted butter, and 1 of your eggs. Mix until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Take your time to get nice, even edges—this will be the foundation for all that gooey goodness.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth as silk—no lumps allowed! Add in the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and all that beautiful powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until everything is creamy, pale, and thick. The mixture should ribbon off your spoon, ready to envelop the crust below.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour your cream cheese filling right over the cake mix crust. Use a spatula to coax it into all the corners and smooth the top. Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for set, lightly golden edges, but the middle should still look a bit wobbly—don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on that gooey magic!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let your bars cool completely in the pan, and resist the temptation to dig in too soon! The cooling lets the creamy layer set to that signature gooey-but-sliceable consistency. Once cool, cut into squares and marvel at that dreamy, gooey center every time you lift one out.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
Garnishes
These bars are a stunner on their own, but a shower of powdered sugar right before serving makes them look irresistible—and adds a touch of extra sweetness. For a pop of color, try a few fresh berries, a light drizzle of caramel, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream for a little something special.
Side Dishes
If you’re hosting a party or potluck, these pair beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a tangy lemon sorbet to brighten up dessert time. They’re also lovely alongside a cup of rich coffee, an espresso, or even an ice-cold glass of milk for the ultimate bar-and-beverage combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars stacked on a cake stand with parchment between layers for a casual, rustic look. For a party vibe, cut them into bite-sized cubes and display each on a mini cupcake liner. Or, plate them with a few colorful berries for a plated dessert worthy of any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are just as tempting the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge if you’re keeping them longer. The texture stays dreamy and the flavor gets even richer as they sit.
Freezing
Want to keep some on hand for a sweet emergency? Once the bars are fully cooled and sliced, layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months—just bring them to room temperature before serving for that gooey bite everyone loves.
Reheating
While these bars are perfect straight from the fridge or at room temp, you can give them a 10-second zap in the microwave for that freshly-baked, melty feel. Be careful not to overheat! Just a few seconds will revive that signature soft center.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars?
Absolutely! Try butter pecan, lemon, or even chocolate cake mix for a fun twist. Each flavor brings its own personality, but the gooey texture never disappoints.
Why does the top sometimes crack as it cools?
The crackly top is a sign of a perfect Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bar. As the bars cool, the sugary cream cheese layer sets and creates that distinctive look, which also means rich flavor and texture underneath.
How do I know when the bars are baked correctly?
You’ll want to pull them from the oven when the edges are golden and set, but the center looks just a little wobbly when you gently shake the pan. They’ll finish setting with that beautiful gooey middle as they cool.
Can I make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars gluten-free?
You sure can! Swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check labels to be sure!
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
For the neatest squares, let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife run under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This keeps the gooey middle from sticking and helps you get those gorgeous slices every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars before, you’re in for a real treat—these are the kind of bars you’ll make for family, friends, and a few just for yourself. With such simple steps and knockout results, why not bake up a batch today and share the joy?
Print
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of rich cream cheese, yellow cake mix, and powdered sugar to create a gooey and decadent dessert. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake Mix Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl. Press into pan for crust.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are set but center is gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- The bars will puff up while baking and settle as they cool, creating a deliciously gooey center.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors like butter pecan, lemon, or chocolate for variety.
- Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
