These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a rich, sweet, and buttery dessert that melts in your mouth. With a soft cake crust and a creamy, gooey cream cheese layer on top, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. A crowd favorite at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings, these bars are as simple to make as they are delicious.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
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Beginner bakers who want an easy yet impressive dessert.
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Busy families looking for a quick sweet treat made with pantry staples.
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Party hosts who need a dessert that feeds a crowd.
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Anyone with a sweet tooth who loves gooey, melt-in-your-mouth desserts.
Why it’s Great
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Simple ingredients: Uses boxed cake mix for quick prep.
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Quick to make: Ready in under 1 hour with minimal steps.
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Perfect for sharing: Makes a large batch of bars.
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Crowd-pleasing flavor: Buttery, sweet, and irresistibly gooey.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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9×13 inch baking pan
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Mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large)
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
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8 tablespoons melted butter
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1 egg
For the Gooey Layer
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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2 eggs (beaten)
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16 oz powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth and well-blended. Pat the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
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Prepare the gooey layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and mix for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.
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Assemble: Pour the gooey cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
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Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly soft. Do not overbake.
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Cool & serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Storage
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days for best freshness.
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Freezer: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes! Try chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mix for fun variations.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—these bars taste even better the next day after the flavors set.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate them?
A: While they can sit at room temperature for a day or two, refrigeration keeps them fresher longer.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, just use a larger baking pan or two 9×13 pans.
Conclusion
These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate easy dessert. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and irresistible sweetness, they’re perfect for any gathering or as a treat for yourself. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your dessert collection.
