These Ooey Gooey Bars are every dessert lover’s dream. With a rich yellow cake base and a lusciously creamy filling made with cream cheese and powdered sugar, they live up to their name in every bite. Soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar—these bars are pure indulgence and always a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients using a box mix shortcut
- Ultra-creamy filling with the perfect tang from cream cheese
- Crowd-friendly – makes a full 9×13 pan (24 squares)
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holidays
- That melt-in-your-mouth texture is just addictive
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Yields 24 bars)
For the Crust:
- 1 egg
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix
For the Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz powdered sugar (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and egg.
Stir until a thick, slightly dry dough forms.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan using your hands or a spatula to create the crust layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Set aside ¼ cup of powdered sugar for dusting later.
Gradually mix the remaining powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture. Add it slowly while mixing continuously to avoid clumping or flying sugar dust.
Beat until smooth and creamy—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly, and the top will be puffed—don’t worry, it settles beautifully as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup powdered sugar over the top.
Cut into squares and serve to friends and family—or just keep them all for yourself (we won’t judge).
Tips for Success
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting for clean edges
- Don’t overbake—a slightly gooey center is the magic
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness if desired
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Try chocolate, spice, or lemon cake mix for fun variations.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
Do they freeze well?
Yes! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Bars are that kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for the recipe. Rich, creamy, and with a buttery cake base, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. If you’re a fan of cream cheese desserts, these bars are a must-bake.
Share Your Creation
Baked up a batch of gooey goodness? Tag #OoeyGooeyBliss on Instagram or Pinterest to show off your melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece!
Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 egg
- 1 stick butter softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix
For the Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz powdered sugar reserve ¼ cup for topping
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, and egg.
- Stir until a thick, slightly dry dough forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan using your hands or a spatula to create the crust layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Set aside ¼ cup of powdered sugar for dusting later.
- Gradually mix the remaining powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture. Add it slowly while mixing continuously to avoid clumping or flying sugar dust.
- Beat until smooth and creamy—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly, and the top will be puffed—don’t worry, it settles beautifully as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup powdered sugar over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve to friends and family—or just keep them all for yourself (we won’t judge).
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