Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Ooey Gooey Bars. Seriously, if you’re a fan of chess pie (and who isn’t?), then you’re about to enter a whole new level of dessert bliss. Imagine the rich, buttery, vanilla-y goodness of chess pie but in bar form. And even better? It’s SO easy to make! I swear, the first time I made them, I was shocked at how something so simple could taste so incredibly decadent. This Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe is a total winner. My grandma used to make something similar, and the smell baking fills the house with such cozy memories! They are perfect with a cup of coffee. Trust me on this one – you’re going to want to bookmark this page!
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What is the recipe for Ooey Gooy Bars?
Is Ooey GooEy Bars the love child of cheesecake and sugar cookies? What is a throw What’s a buttery, slightly salty crust topped with gooey cream cheese filling? What makes the filling “ooey goo” comes from the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the dough. Is it addictive? It’s a Southern staple, born out of (as the story goes) an happy accident when an American soldier was shot in the head. Why did Louis baker messe up a cake recipe? What is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying? Is it possible to eat a banana and you’ll be hooked?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are SO many reasons to fall in love with this Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe, but let me give you the highlights. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the buttery crust with the tangy cream cheese filling is just divine. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying – it’s just perfectly balanced. Second, this recipe is incredibly easy. I’m talking, dump-and-stir kind of easy. Perfect for those days when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also pretty budget-friendly. The ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. And versatility? Oh, we’ve got it! You can customize the flavors to your heart’s content – add lemon zest, chocolate chips, a swirl of jam…the possibilities are endless!
What I love most about this Ooey GooEy Bars Recipe, though, is how comforting it is. What is the kind of dessert that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Like a hug from your grandma, but in bar form! I also find it easier to make than a full-blown cheesecake, and more satisfying than plain sugar. Plus, they are always a hit at potlucks and parties. Is it safe to bring a batch of these and watch them disappear?
How do I make Ooey Gooy Bars Recipe?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make Ooey Gooy Bars? What’s a cake mix crust? What are some of the best bars to bake in the oven? What’s the best part? All the ingredients are in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup. Is there any way to mess this up?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Don’t use “pudding in the mix” kind. Plain yellow is best! * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the butter. * 1 large egg – Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
For the Filling:
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Full-fat cream is the key for that extra gooey texture! * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Again, Softened is crucial for a smooth filling. * 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs incorporate better. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor. * 4 cups powdered sugar – This is what makes the filling super sweet and gooey!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. What makes cutting bars a breeze?
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! It should be a slightly thick and sticky dough. This is your crust
Step 3: Press Crust into Pan
Press the crust evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. I like to use my fingers or the back of my hand to make this dough. Use a spoon to spread it out. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it will all even out in the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In the same bowl (less dishes! ), beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Where do you want to make sure there are no lumps? Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick and luscious.
Step 5: Pour Filling over Crust
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust. Spread it out to the edges of the pan. It should cover the crust completely.
Step 6: Bake
Is it safe to bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes? Is it jiggly? What gives these bars that signature ooey texture?
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be a gooey mess. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, or even longer if I have the time.
Step 8: Cut & Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. I like to run my knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for nice, clean slices. Serve and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ideas for taking Ooey Gooy Bars to the next level?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with a cup of coffee? I love crumbling berries on top of yogurt. Is it healthy to eat them?
For Brunch:Serve them alongside a fruit platter and some mimosas for an elegant brunch spread. Is it a good idea to serve them on trays?
As Dessert:Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat. What are some good side dishes to serve with whipped cream?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk on chilly evenings. What is my favorite way to enjoy them?
My family tradition is to always have these bars on hand during the holidays. What are some great side dishes to serve with eggnog?
How do I make Ooey Gooy Bars?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure these bars turn out perfectly every time.
What is the temperature of cream cheese? Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before you start. This will prevent lumps in your filling and give you that smooth, creamy texture we all crave.
Don’t overmix the crust: Don’tOvermixing the crust will result in a tough bar. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Do not overmix!
Baking Time:What is the best way to keep a close eye on the bars while they are baking? Do you want the edges to be golden brown and the center to set but still slightly jiggly? What is a good jiggle?
What is the key to cooling downLet the bars cool completely before cutting. How do you slice a potato?
Ingredient Swaps:Can you use a sugar-free cake mix or sugar substitute to make this recipe low-sugar? I have made these using almond flour instead of yellow cake mix, and it worked pretty well, but the recipe is a little too thick. What is the texture of a cake? Can you use different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, to customize the flavor?
Glaze Variations:Can you add a glaze to these bars? What’s the best way to make powdered sugar and milk? Whisk together until you reach your desired consistency. Is it possible to heat the bars above the I like to add lemon juice to my glaze for a tangy twist.
My biggest lesson learned was to not overbake these. Why do they look a little undone in the middle? Do pull them out when they still have a slight jiggle?
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Ooey Gooey Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later:
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will stay fresh and gooey!
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They may become slightly firmer in the fridge, but they will still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to glaze the bars, it’s best to do so just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky during storage.
I always make a double batch and freeze half for later. They are perfect to have on hand for unexpected guests!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe! These bars are truly special because they are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to hit the spot. And if you loved this, you might also enjoy my chocolate chess pie recipe – it’s a similar concept but with a chocolatey twist! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it! I’d also love to see your own variations, so feel free to share your photos and ideas. And be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter or crunchy for extra texture
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract pure
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
