Recipe Ideas

Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars

What are some of the best chocolate chip gooey bars? What are some of the best chocolate chip cookies your grandma used to make? If you are a fan of blondies, this will be an immediate hit. This is comfort food redefined, and it’s so easy to whip up you’ll be making them every week… trust me, I speak from experience!

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Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What are chocolate chip gooey bars?

What are Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars? It’s essentially a soft, chewy bar cookie with a slightly underbaked, gooey center. The name says it all, really! They’re not quite a brownie, not quite a cookie, but all-around delicious. I think what makes them different from ordinary blondies is that this recipe has a higher moisture content so it really becomes “gooey” when baked.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why is this Chocolate Chip Gooey Bar recipe so popular? We’re talking rich, buttery, vanilla-infused goodness with bursts of melty chocolate chips in every bite. The contrast between the slightly crisp edges and the unbelievably gooey center is just…… What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy they are to make. Seriously, we’re talking about a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. What are some of the best recipes for sweet bars? No fancy ingredients required, just everyday staples you probably already have in your pantry. But the BEST part? If you like chocolate and ease, this will be a winner. And if you love blondies, you’re in for a treat!

How do I make chocolate chip gooey bars?

Quick Overview

How do I make Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars? Swirl the filling into the batter, bake until golden brown, and voila! Gooey, chocolatey perfection. No fancy equipment, it’s all about the simple steps and incredible result.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft, but not melted! * 1 12 cups granulated sugar – For that perfect sweetness and crisp edges. * 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on vanilla! It makes all the difference. * 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base for our bars. * 1 teaspoon baking powder – For a little lift and lightness. * 12 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. * 1 12 cups chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, milk, dark…

For the Filling:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This is what gives us that signature gooiness! * 12 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the creamy texture. * 1 large egg – Binds the filling together. * 12 teaspoon vanilla extract – More vanilla goodness!

Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is crucial to prevent sticking! I always use parchment paper as well, leaving enough hanging over the sides to easily lift the finished bars out. Makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is important for the texture of the bars.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. If the butter is at room temperature, beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is at room temperature.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft, otherwise it will be hard to get a smooth consistency.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Do you want a marbled effect on cream cheese filling?

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey. Keep an eye on them, baking times can vary depending on your oven. I always do the toothpick test, but remember, you want the center to be slightly soft!

Step 8: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This is important, otherwise they will be too gooey to cut cleanly. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. To get those pretty slices you see in bakeries, clean the knife after each cut.

What should I serve it with?

Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with the right pairings!

For Breakfast:Serve warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

For Brunch: Arrange the bars on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. A mimosa on the side never hurts either!

As Dessert:What are some good ways to serve ice cream with a cup of hot tea?

For Cozy Snacks:What is the best comfort food to enjoy while watching a movie?

My family loves to have them with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, but sometimes we just grab them straight from the pan!

How do I make chocolate chip gooey bars?

How do I make Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars?

Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. The right consistency will make creaming it with the sugar so much easier. I usually take mine out of the fridge an hour or two before baking.

Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.

Swirl Customization: What Don’t be afraid to experiment with different swirling patterns! Use a toothpick, skewer, or even a chopstick to create unique designs.

Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?

Baking Tips:What should I do if I want my bars to be golden brown and the center gooey?

Consistency Is Key:For an extra thick batter try adding just a tad more flour. Don’t go crazy, but it can make a difference.

I’ve tested this recipe with different flours (all-purpose, almond, gluten-free mixes), and the results are always delicious, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you keep chocolate chip gooey bars fresh?

Room Temperature:Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator Storage: What is the For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. The chill will keep them fresher and stop them from drying out too quickly.

How do I use a freezer To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Is it true that they won’t last that long?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

How can I make this gluten free?
Can you substitute all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour? I’ve had great success with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar will add a molasses-like flavor and make the bars even chewier. You can also use a combination of granulated and brown sugar for a more complex flavor profile. Honey is also a great choice!
Can I make this as muffins?
I’ve never tried this myself, but I think it could work. You’d need to adjust the baking time accordingly, probably reducing it by 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them!
How do I make these bars gooier?
Underbaking them slightly is the key! They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll continue to set up as they cool. What are some good ways to add cream cheese to your filling?
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
Is almond extract a good substitute for vanilla? If you don’t have any on hand, you can just leave it out.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

What’s your go-to chocolate chip gooey bar recipe? What is a recipe that’s truly worth trying, especially if you are short on time but craving something incredibly comforting and delicious? What makes this recipe a winner? If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Chocolate Fudge Brownies or my Peanut Butter Blondies – they’re equally delicious and easy to make! What do you think of my recipes?

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Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars

Heavenly Chocolate Caramel Delight Bars

Experience the rich and buttery flavor of these Chocolate Caramel Delight Bars. A soft cookie base topped with gooey caramel, chocolate chunks, and crunchy pecans make these bars both irresistible and easy to make.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans toasted

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
  • Fold in the flour until fully incorporated, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  • Pour the caramel sauce over the batter, then sprinkle with chocolate chunks and chopped pecans.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
  • Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

To make the bars even more indulgent, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving. For a salted caramel version, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before baking.

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