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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will ensure that the bars come out easily once baked.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it forms a thick dough-like batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, pressing it down slightly to form a crust. This will be the base of your ooey gooey bars.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract, flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Continue to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. It will be thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want for that gooey center.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the gooey cream cheese filling over the cookie base in your pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chocolate chips, caramel bits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, you can sprinkle them on top now for a little extra flair.
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly set but still soft in the center. The filling will be gooey and a little jiggly, so don’t worry if it seems too soft when you remove it from the oven—it will firm up as it cools.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is important because the gooey filling needs time to set. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve! If you want to add a fun touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish.
Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars
- Let Them Cool Completely: As tempting as it is to dig in right away, it’s essential to let the bars cool down fully. The filling will solidify as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey texture.
- Try Different Cake Mixes: While the classic yellow cake mix works wonders, feel free to experiment with other flavors of cake mix—chocolate cake mix creates a rich, decadent base, or try spice cake mix for a hint of warmth and depth.
- Add Fun Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even mini marshmallows can be folded into the filling to add a new dimension to the bars. The mix-ins will melt slightly during baking, creating little pockets of flavor throughout.
- Use a Toothpick to Test: If you’re unsure if the bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with just a little gooeyness clinging to it, the bars are ready to come out of the oven.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm bars and cold ice cream is pure heaven!
Why These Ooey Gooey Bars Are So Addictive
- Mouthwatering Texture: The chewy, slightly crisp base contrasts perfectly with the rich, gooey filling, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s like a gooey cookie bar meets cheesecake, and it’s impossible to stop at just one piece.
- Perfect for All Ages: These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re simple enough for children to help make, yet rich enough to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: Need a dessert to bring to a party or potluck? These bars are perfect for sharing because they’re easy to cut into squares, transport, and serve. They’re also a great choice for bake sales, family gatherings, or holiday get-togethers.
- So Versatile: While the basic recipe is amazing on its own, it’s incredibly easy to customize. Whether you add chocolate, caramel, or fruit, there are endless possibilities to explore with this bar recipe.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious, Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect choice. With their soft, chewy cookie base and rich, gooey center, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy as a treat, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best gooey bars you’ve ever tasted—because once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
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