Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• For the crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 0.5 cup of melted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix with an electric mixer or by hand until a soft, uniform dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan.
• For the filling: In the same large bowl (or a clean one), beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until it is well incorporated and smooth. Then, slowly beat in the remaining 0.5 cup of melted butter until the filling is light and fluffy.
• Carefully pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake mix crust in the baking pan.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The center should remain gooey.
• Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.