Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are the perfect treat when you want something rich, sweet, and just a little bit messy. They have a soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are the perfect treat when you want something rich, sweet, and just a little bit messy. They have a soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy, gooey center that’s a bit like cake and a bit like cheesecake. The texture is wonderfully sticky and the flavor is deliciously simple—sweet cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and butter, baked into a golden, melt-in-your-mouth bar.
I love making these bars because they’re always a crowd-pleaser, whether I bring them to a potluck or make them just for my family at home. What’s great is that they don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients, and they come together pretty quickly, which feels like a win on a busy day. I usually cut them into small squares because they’re pretty rich, and a little goes a long way with these buttery, gooey bars.
My favorite way to enjoy Ooey Gooey Butter Bars is with a cup of coffee or tea on a chilly afternoon. They remind me of cozy get-togethers and baked goods shared with friends. If you’re someone who likes sweet treats that are easy to make and full of comfort, these bars are definitely a recipe to keep handy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of the crust, giving it both sweetness and structure. If you prefer, you can use homemade yellow cake mix or even a simple mix of flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Butter: Unsalted melted butter binds the crust and adds richness. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt elsewhere. Margarine or plant-based butter works in a pinch but may slightly change flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the gooey filling its creamy texture. Avoid cold cream cheese, or lumps can form. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar texture.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smoothness to the creamy filling. Do not substitute granulated sugar here as it won’t dissolve properly.
Eggs: Eggs help set the filling but keep it moist and tender. For an egg allergy, try an egg replacer like flaxseed meal mixed with water, but the texture may vary.
How Do I Get the Perfect Gooey Center without Overbaking?
The key is watching your bake time carefully and knowing when to pull the bars from the oven. The edges will be golden brown and set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Preheat oven fully for even baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and baking.
- Bake at 350°F and check at 35 minutes—if the center is jiggly but not liquid, it’s ready.
- Remove from oven and cool completely; the filling will continue to set as it cools.
- Cut only after fully cooled to avoid collapsing.
Patience here rewards you with a beautifully gooey but not runny center. Trying to bake longer will give a firmer, less “ooey” texture. I usually set a timer for 35 minutes and peek early to make sure I catch it just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing of bars.
- Mixing bowls – at least two, to keep crust and filling separate for smooth mixing.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps blend cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Rubber spatula – great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading batter evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get precise amounts of sugar, butter, and other ingredients.
- Wire cooling rack – lets the bars cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Try swapping vanilla extract for almond extract for a lovely nutty aroma.
- Add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to the filling for a fruity twist.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Honey or glaze, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for the bars to cool completely before cutting, about 30 minutes. Overall, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to make removing the bars easier.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust layer.
3. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of powdered sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Spread it gently to cover the crust completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still a bit gooey.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar and optionally drizzle with honey or glaze. Cut into squares and enjoy your rich, gooey treats!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for the Filling?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy filling. If your cream cheese is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften quickly by microwaving in short bursts at low power, then beat well to remove lumps.
Can I Make Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before storing for the best texture. Bring to room temperature before serving for extra gooeyness.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them, wrapped well, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
What Are Some Easy Substitutions for Yellow Cake Mix?
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use plain yellow cake batter from scratch or even a vanilla cake mix. Just adjust the sweetness slightly as needed, since boxed cake mixes vary in sugar content.