These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the sweet, buttery flavor of cake mix. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a sweet indulgence at home. The bars have a gooey center and a slightly crisp top, creating a delicious contrast that will leave you wanting more.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of a buttery cake mix crust and a luscious cream cheese filling makes these bars irresistible. They can be customized with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips, and they are perfect for sharing. Plus, they can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them a versatile dessert option for any time of year.
Introduction
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that is both easy to make and decadently delicious, look no further than these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. This recipe takes the classic gooey butter cake to a new level by incorporating cream cheese into the filling, resulting in a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet, buttery crust. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – optional
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips – optional
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir the mixture until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring that all the cake mix is well incorporated.
Step 2: Press into Pan: Take the crumbly dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a solid layer for the base of your bars.
Step 3: Make the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and the remaining unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy filling.
Step 4: Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth. If desired, fold in the optional chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Pour Over Crust: Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Bake: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want that gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential for the bars to set properly before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions:
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars can be served warm or chilled, making them versatile for any occasion. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They can also be garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a beautiful presentation.
Tips:
- Swirl: For a decorative touch, use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese filling before baking, creating a marbled effect.
- Different Cake Mix: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as lemon or spice, to create unique variations of this recipe.
- Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries or blueberries) into the cream cheese filling.
- Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle the bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add an extra layer of sweetness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 16-20 bars
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200 per bar (varies with optional ingredients)
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with rich flavors. They are perfect for any occasion, and their gooey texture is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize with various mix-ins, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply treat themselves to a delicious homemade dessert. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these scrumptious bars!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate, lemon, or spice, to create unique variations of these bars. - How do I store the leftover bars?
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. - Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these bars gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. - What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries. They can also be enjoyed on their own! - Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped fruit, other types of chocolate chips, or even caramel bits to the cream cheese filling for added flavor and texture.