There are desserts you like, and then there are desserts you can’t stop thinking about. For me, these Chocochip Gooey Treats fall squarely into the second category. They’re sweet, rich, decadent, and perfectly balanced with a gooey cream cheese filling and a buttery cake mix crust. And the best part? They’re loaded with a whole bag of chocolate chips. Yes, you read that right—no skimping, no half-measures, just pure chocolatey goodness in every single bite.
If you’ve ever had gooey butter cake, you’ll recognize the inspiration behind this recipe. But this version takes it to the next level with the addition of chocolate chips that melt into the creamy filling, creating pockets of rich, semi-sweet chocolate in every slice. It’s indulgence at its finest, and it’s almost impossible to stop at just one square.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With a cake mix base and just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip this up without needing any special ingredients or equipment. The crust comes together in minutes, and the filling is as easy as mixing cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and of course, chocolate chips. Once baked, the center stays gooey and soft while the edges turn golden brown and slightly chewy—a perfect contrast that makes each bite irresistible.
This is the kind of recipe you bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday parties and immediately watch disappear. Don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their piece. It’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Gooey – A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling paired with a buttery crust.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream – A whole bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures maximum chocolate flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, bake sales, and gatherings.
- Simple to Make – Uses cake mix and pantry staples for an easy recipe.
- Flexible Yield – Cut into 12 large squares for a rich treat or 24 smaller pieces for a party tray.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
For the Filling
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 box powdered sugar (16 oz)
- 1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
- 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the center position. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan. This ensures the bars release easily once cooled.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick of melted butter. Use an electric hand mixer for best results. The dough will be thick and sticky, similar to soft Play-Doh.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Using clean hands or a spatula, press the dough evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Butter
Gradually add the powdered sugar with the mixer on low speed until fully incorporated. Then slowly pour in the melted butter and mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Stir in the entire bag of chocolate chips. The more chocolate, the better!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly jiggly. That gooey center is what makes this dessert magical.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool for at least 2 hours before cutting. The filling needs time to set for clean slices. Cut into 12 large squares or up to 24 smaller ones.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overbake – The center should look soft and slightly underdone; it will firm up as it cools.
- Use Parchment Paper – Lining the pan makes cleanup easy and ensures the bars lift out neatly.
- Customize Your Chips – Try dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
- Chill Before Cutting – For the cleanest slices, refrigerate for an hour after cooling, then cut.
Variations
- Nutty Chocolate Gooey Treats – Stir in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Peanut Butter Twist – Add peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips.
- Double Chocolate – Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for an ultra-chocolatey base.
- Holiday Version – Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a festive flavor.
- Marble Effect – Swirl a bit of raspberry or caramel sauce into the filling before baking.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead – Bake the bars a day in advance; the flavor is even better the next day.
- Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Chocolate, butter, or even spice cake mix would work wonderfully.
Do I have to use salted butter?
Salted butter enhances the flavor, but unsalted works too. Just add a pinch of salt to the crust and filling.
Can I cut the sugar?
This dessert is meant to be indulgent, but you can reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a slightly less sweet version.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the center will still jiggle slightly when shaken. That’s exactly how it should be.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, but it will be messier. For neat slices, let it cool completely before cutting.
Final Thoughts
These Chocochip Gooey Treats are everything you want in a dessert: rich, chocolatey, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. They strike the perfect balance between a chewy crust and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling studded with chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Bring these to your next party or potluck, and don’t be surprised if they disappear within minutes. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and ask, “Can I get this recipe?” And once you’ve made them, you’ll see why.
So grab a bag of chocolate chips, a box of cake mix, and a few pantry staples—you’re only a few simple steps away from pure dessert bliss.
Chocochip Gooey Treats
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1 large egg
- 1 stick salted butter melted (8 tablespoons)
For the Filling
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 box powdered sugar 16 oz
- 1 stick salted butter melted (8 tablespoons)
- 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips 12 oz
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the center position. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan. This ensures the bars release easily once cooled.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick of melted butter. Use an electric hand mixer for best results. The dough will be thick and sticky, similar to soft Play-Doh.
Step 3: Press the Crust
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Using clean hands or a spatula, press the dough evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Butter
- Gradually add the powdered sugar with the mixer on low speed until fully incorporated. Then slowly pour in the melted butter and mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Stir in the entire bag of chocolate chips. The more chocolate, the better!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly jiggly. That gooey center is what makes this dessert magical.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
- Let the bars cool for at least 2 hours before cutting. The filling needs time to set for clean slices. Cut into 12 large squares or up to 24 smaller ones.
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