Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare for baking the bars evenly.
Mix the Crust Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg.
Mix until well combined. The dough will be a bit thick and sticky — like cookie dough.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Butter or coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Press the Crust into the Pan:
Carefully press the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading into an even layer with your hands or a spatula. Press down well to create a good base for the bars.
Prepare the Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese:
Note: make sure the cream cheese is not too cold, so it is able to give in the mixing bowl: In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces cream cheese until smooth and creamy (approx 1-2 min.) Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so there are no lumps.
Add the Eggs:
Egg: Add 2 beaten eggs to the cream cheese, and mix with a whisk until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and a little frothed.
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually whisk 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar into cream cheese mixture until absorbed. The filling should feel thick and creamy.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the Filling on the Crust:
Pour the cream cheese filling carefully over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Bars:
So, put it into a preheated oven at 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the center jiggly. Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose the gooey texture.
Cool Completely:
Alternatively, bake the bars in the oven for 30- 35 mins then allow to cool on a wire rack for another 1-2 hours. This is done so that the filling sets.
Serve
Cut and Serve:
Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife in between cuts for clean edges.
Savor:
Serve the bars at room temperature. Best with milk or coffee.* Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in a room temperature for up to three days.
Serving Suggestions:
Ooey Gooey Bars are so versatile and here are some ways to make them even more fun:
Ice Cream Pairing: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Fruit Topping: Top with fresh berries or several drizzles of berry sauce to give a bright contrast with fruity notes.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it on top of the bars for added sweetness
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness and just a hint of salted sweetness.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
These bars also have a good shelf life, so they’re perfect for make-ahead treats or leftovers.
Storage: Any leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Refrigerate them for longer-lasting freshness, although bring them back to room temp before serving for the optimal texture.
Freezing: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then store them in a bag or container, and place them in the freezer. They last about three months or so. To serve, leave them at room temperature until thawed.
Variations to Try:
Use your creativity to customize these Ooey Gooey Bars for some flavor variations:
Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars: Use chocolate cake mix for the crust, and mix in a handful of chocolate chips into the filling for a double-chocolate delight.
Lemon Ooey Gooey Bars: Substitute lemon cake mix for the cake mix for a bright, citrusy twist and a smidge of lemon zest in the filling for dimension.
Pumpkin Spice Bars: Use spice cake mix for the crust and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a warm, fall-inspired dessert.
Nutty Bars: Top the filling with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for added crunch.
Coconut Bars: Stir in a handful of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
Conclusion:
Ooey Gooey Bars are an easy-to-love, easy-to-make yet indulgent dessert. These bars are rich and sweet, with a buttery crust and creamy filling. Whether you snack on them casually or take them to a party, these bars will please everyone who takes a bite.
