Ooey Gooey Bars
Indulge in Deliciousness: The Allure of Ooey Gooey Bars
There’s something truly magical about Ooey Gooey Bars that brings back fond memories of baking with family. With layers of rich cream cheese, buttery crust, and luscious chocolate, these bars are a must-have for gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re treating your kids to a sweet surprise or bringing dessert to your next potluck, these bars never fail to impress. Not only are they irresistibly delicious, but they also come together with minimal effort—a perfect combination for any home baker!
Why you’ll love this dish
Reasons to try it
Imagine a dessert that is not just easy to make but also hits all the right notes on the flavor scale. These Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent. They’re perfect for any occasion: a family movie night, a bake sale, or even a holiday gathering. Plus, budget-wise, you won’t break the bank with just a handful of affordable ingredients.
"I made these for a family reunion, and they were gone in minutes! My cousins kept asking for the recipe." – Jenna, home cook
How this recipe comes together
Step-by-step overview
Making these delightful bars involves just a few simple steps and a bit of mixing! You’ll start with the crust, followed by the creamy filling, and top it all off with a luscious chocolate layer. It’s a straightforward process that yields a show-stopping treat. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these indulgent bars.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your baking adventure:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
Substitutions: If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. And if you prefer dark chocolate, swap out the semi-sweet chips!
Step-by-step instructions
How to prepare it
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. This will be your crust.
- Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the crust layer.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions
These Ooey Gooey Bars are delightfully rich on their own, but there are a few ways to elevate the experience. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that perfect warm-and-cold contrast. You could also dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat that everyone will love!
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your remaining bars, simply cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge again!
Helpful cooking tips
Pro chef tips
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this will give you that smooth, creamy texture when blended. Also, don’t overmix the crust dough—you want it crumbly, not a uniform paste. One little trick for the chocolate layer: heating it gradually ensures a perfectly melted consistency without clumps.
Creative twists
Recipe variations
Want to shake things up? Consider adding a layer of crushed nuts for added crunch, or swap in peanut butter chips instead of chocolate for a nutty delight. You can even experiment with different flavored cake mixes, like chocolate or red velvet, to give these Ooey Gooey Bars a new personality!
Common questions
Your questions answered
-
How long do these bars take to prepare?
Total prep time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25-30 minutes. -
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavored mixes like chocolate or yellow butter. -
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They are perfect for preparing in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
These delightful bars are the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, making them a beloved treat that is sure to shine no matter the occasion. Give them a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. This will be your crust.
- Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the crust layer.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares and serving.
