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There’s something magical about the combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar that results in a treat so deliciously rich and satisfying. These Ooey Gooey Bars are the epitome of indulgence, with their buttery crust and creamy, sweet filling. I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering, where my aunt served them fresh from the oven. The moment I bit into one, I was captivated by its gooey texture and heavenly taste. Since then, these bars have become a staple in my baking repertoire, perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply when I crave a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
8 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 egg
For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs (beaten)
16 ounces powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to bake the bars evenly.
Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky, resembling cookie dough.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.
Press the Crust into the Pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it out and create an even layer. Make sure the crust is firmly packed to form a solid base for the filling.
Prepare the Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will take about 1-2 minutes. Ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened before beating will help achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
Add the Eggs: Add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese and whisk until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to whisk until fully blended. The filling should be thick, creamy, and well incorporated.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the Filling over the Crust: Carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be slightly golden and set, but the center should still be a bit gooey. Be careful not to overbake, as you want to maintain the signature “ooey gooey” texture.
Cool Completely: Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This will take about 1-2 hours. Cooling is crucial as it helps the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut the bars.
Serve
Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to ensure neat, clean edges.
Enjoy: Serve the Ooey Gooey Bars at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Variations and Substitutions
These Ooey Gooey Bars are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Flavor Variations:
Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Spice: Try a spice cake mix and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Add-Ins:
Nuts: Fold in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit: Add a layer of fruit preserves or pie filling (such as cherry or blueberry) between the crust and the filling for a fruity surprise.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Lighter Version:
Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein.
Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of powdered sugar to lower the sugar content.
Conclusion:
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a delightfully decadent treat that combines the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the richness of cream cheese and powdered sugar. The result is a bar that’s crispy on the edges, soft and gooey in the center, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them and, more importantly, the joy of sharing them with family and friends. Happy baking!
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