If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that combines rich cream cheese with a buttery, tender base, you will absolutely adore this Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe. These bars are like a soft, luscious hug in every bite—oozing with creamy goodness and a hint of vanilla that simply melts on your tongue. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat to bake on a cozy weekend or a show-stopping dessert for guests, these bars strike the perfect balance between cake and cheesecake, making them irresistibly delicious and totally unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe. The yellow cake mix forms a soft, buttery base that’s easy to work with, while the cream cheese layer brings that signature creamy and tangy richness that makes these bars stand out.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This box mix serves as the convenient and flavorful foundation of our bars, delivering a buttery, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick), melted: Adds moisture and richness to the base, making it delectably soft and golden.
- Large eggs (3 total): Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bars’ wonderfully sturdy yet tender texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: The star of the cream cheese layer, offering smooth texture and a luscious tanginess.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right, balancing the tartness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with warm, comforting vanilla flavor for an irresistible aroma and taste.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps stabilize the cream cheese layer so it sets beautifully without cracking.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch to enhance and round out all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a light dusting that adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of sweetness on top.
How to Make Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and will come out of the pan cleanly once baked and cooled.
Step 2: Make the Base Layer
In a medium bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until it forms a thick batter. When pressing it into the pan, make sure the base is even and firmly packed—this is your buttery foundation for the gooey magic to come. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes until it’s lightly golden and set.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
While your base bakes, it’s time to prep the luscious cream cheese layer. Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Then add in two eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Keep beating until the mixture is silky and perfectly combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake the Layers
Once your base is out of the oven and still warm, carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over it and spread evenly. Pop it back into the oven, and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a set cream cheese layer that’s just starting to turn golden on top. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
This step is key to those perfectly gooey bars. Let your dish cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the bars to firm up properly, making them easier to slice and enhancing their dreamy texture.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
Before serving, you can dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for that elegant, snowy look that makes these bars feel just a bit more special.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is a classic way to dress up your Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe, but feel free to get creative! Fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts all complement the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
While these bars are stellar on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream will elevate your dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea also balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter, or layer them into a dessert trifle with layers of whipped cream and fruit for an impressive, crowd-pleasing treat. You can even serve the bars warmed slightly with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, so you can savor their creamy gooeyness whenever you like.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
While these bars are often enjoyed cold, you can warm them gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if you crave that melty, gooey feel. Just be mindful not to overheat, as the cream cheese layer can separate if too hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is classic and creates a buttery, neutral base, you could try white or even spice cake mixes for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind this might change the overall taste and color of the bars.
What if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the pan?
No worries! You can grease the pan very well with butter or non-stick spray. Just make sure to coat every corner to prevent sticking, but parchment does make removal and cleanup easier.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the signature gooey texture and tangy flavor. Substituting with ricotta or mascarpone will change the texture significantly and isn’t recommended for this recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The cream cheese layer should look set with a slightly golden top. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t expect it to be perfectly dry—the gooeyness is what makes these bars special!
Are these bars gluten-free?
Since the base uses yellow cake mix and all-purpose flour, these bars are not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, you’d need to use a gluten-free cake mix and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, but the texture may vary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that’s wonderfully creamy, sweet, and effortlessly delicious. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet night in. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a beloved treat everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Cream Cheese Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Gooey Bars are a deliciously rich and creamy dessert featuring a buttery cake base topped with a smooth cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection and chilled before serving, they offer a perfect balance of gooey texture and sweet flavor, making them an irresistible treat 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 ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until well combined into a thick batter.
- Form and Bake Base Layer: Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden and set.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: While the base is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the 2 eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake Final Layer: Remove the base from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm base. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the center 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. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting to allow the bars to set properly.
- Optional Dusting: Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy your creamy, gooey cream cheese bars.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Press the base mixture firmly for an even crust.
- Do not overbake the cream cheese layer to keep it gooey and creamy.
- Chilling the bars improves slicing and flavor.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice decorative touch.
