Description
These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet treat anytime, these bars offer a luscious texture and a delicious balance of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly but can hold together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Spread it gently using a spatula for a smooth surface. Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filing without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the bars should be set but still gooey in the center.
- If using parchment paper, leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice decorative touch.
