Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Irresistibly Ooey Gooey Bars: The Perfect Sweet Treat Recipe

Ooey gooey bars represent the ultimate indulgence in dessertalchemy.

Soft, decadent layers melt together into a symphony of sweetness that tantalizes every sense.

Beneath that golden surface lies a creamy landscape promising pure comfort and joy.

Perfectly balanced between richness and lightness, these bars elevate ordinary moments into delectable memories.

Your taste buds will dance with each heavenly morsel, experiencing pure culinary magic.

Irresistible and addictive, they elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tips to Get the Perfect Ooze and Crunch

Tips to Get the Perfect Ooze and Crunch
  • Prevent Sticking: Generously line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang for easy bar removal.
  • Smooth Crust Technique: Use the back of a measuring cup to press cake mix dough evenly, creating a compact and uniform base layer.
  • Cream Cheese Mixing Magic: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to guarantee a silky-smooth filling without any uncomfortable lumps.
  • Baking Precision: Watch bars closely during final minutes of baking; a slightly golden top with a gentle jiggle indicates perfect doneness.
  • Cutting Cleanliness: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice to achieve clean, picture-perfect bar edges.

How to Store Without Losing That Soft Center

How to Store Without Losing That Soft Center
  • Refrigeration Method: Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Carefully place the bars in a single layer, separating each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delectable treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.

What Treats Pair Perfectly With That Ooey Gooey Goodness

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich, sweet ooey gooey bars perfectly complement the smooth espresso and frothy milk of a classic cappuccino, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness with a robust coffee flavor.
  • Match with Cold Vanilla Milk: Chilled vanilla milk provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, dense texture of the bars, creating a harmonious blend of cool and creamy sensations that enhance the dessert's decadent profile.
  • Serve with Caramel Macchiato: The buttery, caramel notes in a macchiato harmonize beautifully with the cream cheese filling, offering a luxurious taste experience that elevates the dessert's indulgent qualities.
  • Enjoy with Hazelnut Latte: A smooth hazelnut latte adds a nutty undertone that complements the cake mix base, creating a delightful interplay of flavors that brings out the bar's rich, sweet characteristics.

Flavor Twists That Take These Bars Over the Top

Flavor Twists That Take These Bars Over the Top
  • Chocolate Chunk Sensation: Fold in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for an extra rich chocolate experience.
  • Fruity Berry Blast: Swirl raspberry or strawberry preserves through the cream cheese layer before baking, creating beautiful marble-like patterns and adding vibrant fruity flavor.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the filling and drizzle caramel sauce after baking for a decadent textural contrast.
  • Seasonal Spice Remix: Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake mix base, and incorporate pumpkin puree into the cream cheese layer for a warm, autumn-inspired version of the classic dessert.

Why These Bars Are Soft, Sticky, and So Worth It

Why These Bars Are Soft, Sticky, and So Worth It
  • Effortless Indulgence: Whip up these bars with minimal kitchen skills, using simple pantry ingredients and basic mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Textural Delight: Experience a perfect balance of crispy cake mix crust and silky-smooth cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible contrast of soft and rich layers.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these decadent bars in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings without complicated preparation steps.
  • Versatile Dessert Companion: Enjoy these bars at room temperature with coffee, milk, or as a standalone treat that satisfies sweet tooths while delivering a classic comfort food experience perfect for any occasion.

Two Layers of Gooey Goodness in Every Bite

Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a sweet, tender foundation for the bars with a classic cake-like texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive base for the dessert.
  • Egg: Binds the base ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the crust.
Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy filling with a luxurious smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Help stabilize and set the cream cheese mixture for a perfect consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a silky, thick cream cheese layer.
Preparation:
  • Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Ensures easy removal of bars from the baking dish and prevents sticking.

How to Bake a Bar That Lives Up to Its Name

How to Bake a Bar That Lives Up to Its Name

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking conditions.

Step 2: Create The Crust

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Yellow cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • 1 egg

Mix until the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.

Step 4: Form The Crust Layer

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation.

Step 5: Whip The Cream Cheese Base

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Blend Cream Cheese Mixture

Whisk 2 beaten eggs into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and lump-free.

Step 7: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually incorporate 3½ cups of powdered sugar, whisking continuously to create a thick, creamy filling.

Step 8: Layer The Filling

Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a slightly golden top that remains slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 10: Cool And Set

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours, allowing the bars to set completely.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Once fully cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. Serve at room temperature and pair with milk or coffee for a delightful treat.

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Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful Ooey Gooey Bars embody pure dessert bliss with layers of sweet cream cheese and chocolate nestled between buttery graham cracker crust. Rich chocolate and cream cheese meld into an irresistible treat you cannot resist devouring in one delightful sitting.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box dry yellow cake mix
  • 2 sticks (226 grams) melted butter
  • 3 eggs (2 beaten eggs, 1 whole egg)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese

Binding/Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (440 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for consistent baking preparation.
  2. Combine yellow cake mix, melted butter (226 grams), and 1 egg in a medium mixing bowl until forming a thick, cohesive dough.
  3. Generously grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Distribute the cake mix dough evenly across the pan’s bottom, pressing firmly to create a uniform base layer.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip softened cream cheese (226 grams) until achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
  6. Incorporate two beaten eggs into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until completely integrated without visible lumps.
  7. Gradually fold in powdered sugar (420 grams), whisking continuously to develop a rich, velvety filling consistency.
  8. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared cake mix foundation, using a spatula to spread uniformly across the surface.
  9. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a light golden top while maintaining a slightly jiggly center.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1-2 hours, enabling the bars to set properly.
  11. Once fully cooled, slice into square or rectangular portions using a sharp knife, serving at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Unlock a world of gooey goodness with this decadent dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
  • Cake mix creates a foolproof crust that’s both buttery and golden, providing the perfect foundation for creamy layers.
  • Cream cheese filling brings luxurious richness, melting into every bite with a silky smooth texture that’ll make taste buds dance.
  • Powdered sugar ensures a velvety consistency, binding the filling together and adding just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Baking requires precision – watch for that perfect golden top with a slight jiggle, signaling the bars are ready to cool and set.
  • Cooling time is crucial, allowing layers to firm up and flavors to meld, transforming these bars from hot mess to absolute deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 334 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 67mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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