Name: Gooey Butter Cake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 box Yellow Cake Mix; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted; 1 large Egg (for the crust); 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened; 2 large Eggs (for the top layer); 4 cups Powdered Sugar

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Get ready to fall in love at first bite with these Gooey Butter Cake Bars – the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who can’t resist a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Their soft, custardy filling and buttery base promise a delightful bite every time, whether you enjoy them with coffee or as a party snack. Did you know that the legend of this cake started with a happy baking accident in St. Louis? It’s true! What began as a simple mistake blossomed into a beloved classic.

This recipe is a must-try: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and a hit with everyone from little ones to grandparents. If you’re a fan of my Cream Cheese Brownies, you’ll absolutely adore these bars – both offer that luscious cream cheese tang and easy prep. Set aside just under an hour and let your kitchen fill with the tempting aroma of butter and sugar. Get ready to impress your family and friends – these Gooey Butter Cake Bars are destined to be a new favorite in your dessert collection!

What is Gooey Butter Cake Bars?

Ever wondered how a “goof” in the kitchen turned into a dessert legend? Gooey Butter Cake Bars get their name from their rich, buttery crust and irresistibly oozy, creamy top layer. Don’t you just love it when mess-ups taste like magic? Legend says a St. Louis baker was aiming for something else, but “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” as the saying goes, and this sticky success stole the show. Whether you’re a fan of quirky desserts or just love a good kitchen story, these bars are pure joy. Ready for your taste buds to do a happy dance? Give this recipe a try!

Why You’ll Love This

The magic of Gooey Butter Cake Bars lies in their dreamy, soft center and golden, buttery crust. They’re that impossible-to-resist marriage of chewy and creamy, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar that looks as good as it tastes. Making them at home saves money (and a trip to the bakery), plus you know exactly what goes into your bars – no strange preservatives here! Cream cheese lends a tang that balances a sweet, ultra-buttery flavor, and the convenience of cake mix keeps things simple and stress-free.

Top it all off with a bit of powdered sugar or fresh fruit, and you’ve got an effortlessly impressive dessert for parties, potlucks, or after-school snacks. If you love classic Lemon Bars, you’ll definitely appreciate the gooey sweetness and homemade touch in this recipe. So why not whip up a batch today? You’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying they are to make!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Craving dessert but short on time? These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are as easy as they come. All you need is a few pantry staples, one mixing bowl, and about 45 minutes – including baking time! The base layer bakes up soft and dense, while the top magically forms a custard-like gooeyness packed with cream cheese and powdered sugar. No complicated cooking, no fancy equipment – just pure, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Golden Gooey Butter Cake Bars dusted with powdered sugar on a serving plate

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs (for the top layer)
4 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step

Prep your oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a soft dough.
Press the crust: Spread the dough evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pressing it in with clean fingers or the back of a spatula to create a firm, even layer.
Mix the topping: In the same bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and mix until just blended. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low until fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Do not overbake – the gooeyness is what makes these bars special!
Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares. For the real finishing touch, dust generously with extra powdered sugar.

What to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Bars With

These bars shine on their own, but pairing them can turn snack time into a real celebration. Serve with:

A cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
Fresh berries or fruit compote to balance the sweetness
A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness

Whether at brunch, a picnic, or after school, these pairings guarantee a delicious experience that will have everyone coming back for more.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Room-temperature ingredients: Bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Cake mix swap: Don’t have yellow cake mix? Try using white or even spice cake mix for a fun twist.
Measuring matters: Spoon and level your powdered sugar for accurate measurements. Too much will make the top overly thick.
Don’t overbake: The bars should be set around the edges but remain just a little jiggly in the center – that’s the gooey magic!
Easy removal: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift out and slice your bars cleanly.

Avoid the temptation to cut while warm; let them cool completely for perfect squares that hold their shape yet remain perfectly gooey in the center.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or brought to room temperature before serving for their best texture. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar before serving.

To reheat, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until just slightly warm and gooey. Be careful not to overheat, or the texture could become tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the base?

Absolutely! Try white cake mix for a classic twist, or spice cake mix for a cozy, autumn-inspired bar.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes! They taste even better the next day once all the flavors meld together. Just store in the fridge and serve when you’re ready.

Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake Bars?

Definitely – wrap them well and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Why is my topping not gooey enough?

Most likely, the bars were baked a tad too long. Keep an eye on them – the edges should be golden, but the center should still jiggle slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free cake mix for similar results. Check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a sweet treat that’s hard to beat – gooey, creamy, and loaded with buttery goodness. Perfect for busy days, potlucks, or whenever you need something delicious without a lot of fuss, this easy recipe is sure to win over dessert lovers of all ages. Give it a try, share a slice (or two!), and don’t forget to check out more classic dessert recipes for even more baking inspiration. Happy baking!