Ooey gooey bars

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Irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars: The Sweet Treat Everyone Will Beg You to Make Again

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect dessert bar—one that’s soft, creamy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet—your search ends here. These Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate indulgence. With a slightly crisp top and a luxuriously soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, this easy dessert is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, holidays, or weeknight treats.

Made with just a handful of pantry staples like yellow cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, this recipe proves that simplicity and deliciousness can go hand in hand. It’s so easy that even kids can whip it up—and they often do!

 Ingredients & What They Do

For the Crust:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
    This acts as the base layer, providing a soft, buttery crust with that classic yellow cake flavor. It’s the ultimate shortcut to flavor and structure.

  • 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
    Adds richness and moisture, helping the cake mix come together into a soft, cookie-like dough.

  • 1 egg
    Binds the crust ingredients and adds a bit of lift and texture.

For the Gooey Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
    The heart of the “gooey.” It creates the creamy, tangy, and luscious filling that gives these bars their name.

  • 2 eggs (beaten)
    Helps set the filling while keeping it soft and custard-like in the center.

  • 16 oz powdered sugar
    Sweetens the cream cheese layer and adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a thick, smooth dough forms.
Pro Tip: Use a silicone spatula or your hands to make pressing easier.

Press the dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Gooey Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and mix until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky and pourable.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still jiggles slightly.
Do NOT overbake – this is key to keeping the signature gooey texture.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this will help them set up for clean cutting. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve!

 Why These Ooey Gooey Bars Are So Loved

  • Ridiculously easy—just two layers and one pan.

  • Kid-approved and beginner-friendly.

  •  Made with common pantry ingredients.

  •  Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to bake sales.

  •  They store well and taste even better the next day.

 Pro Tips for Ooey Gooey Perfection

  • Softened cream cheese is a must. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before using to avoid lumps.

  • If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the powdered sugar by ¼ cup.

  • For extra indulgence, add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the gooey layer.

  • Craving chocolate? Swap the yellow cake mix for devil’s food or chocolate fudge cake mix for a rich twist!

 Serving & Storage Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Want to make ahead? These bars freeze beautifully—wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

 Final Thoughts: A Classic Treat That Never Disappoints

These Ooey Gooey Bars are proof that a few simple ingredients can turn into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a bake sale, or just because your sweet tooth is calling, this recipe delivers every time. Soft, fluffy, creamy, and crave-worthy, they’re the kind of dessert people remember—and request again and again.

So go ahead. Bake a batch today and taste the joy that only homemade ooey gooey goodness can bring.