Sweet, rich, and incredibly easy to make, Gooey Butter Bars are a dessert that’s impossible to resist. With a buttery crust and a creamy, sweet layer on top, these bars are a delightful treat for anyone who loves indulgent desserts. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck, holiday party, or simply enjoying them with your family, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why These Gooey Butter Bars Work
This recipe is a foolproof way to create a crowd-pleasing dessert. Here’s why it works:
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples like cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar.
Two Delicious Layers: A soft, buttery crust topped with a gooey, sweet layer—each bite is heavenly!
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and bake time, these bars are perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry.
Customizable: Use different cake mix flavors or toppings to make this recipe your own.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients for the Crust:
Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (dry mix) – The base of the crust that adds flavor and structure.
Melted Butter: 8 tablespoons – Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
Egg: 1 large – Helps hold the crust together.
Ingredients for the Gooey Layer:
Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened – Creates a smooth, tangy filling.
Eggs: 2 large, beaten – Adds structure to the gooey layer.
Powdered Sugar: 16 oz – Sweetens the filling to perfection.
How to Make Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the dough is smooth and well-combined. Pat this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to create a uniform layer.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add the beaten eggs and continue to mix for a couple of minutes until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is creamy and well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the gooey cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—the top should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Recipe Success
Soften the Cream Cheese: For a smooth and creamy filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overbake: The gooey layer should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. Overbaking can cause the top layer to become too firm.
Use a Non-Stick Pan: Greasing the pan well ensures that the bars come out easily after baking.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting—this helps them set and makes them easier to slice.
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Butter Bars
Rich and Decadent: Each bite is packed with buttery goodness and sweet, creamy flavor.
Perfect Texture: A slightly crisp crust paired with a soft, gooey layer makes for the ultimate dessert experience.
Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Great for Any Occasion: These bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or as an everyday treat.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas for enjoying these delicious Gooey Butter Bars:
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance.
Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Serve with Coffee: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Add Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside sliced strawberries or fresh raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Gooey Butter Bars is how versatile they are. Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:
Chocolate Gooey Bars: Use a chocolate cake mix for the crust and add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
Lemon Gooey Bars: Swap the yellow cake mix for lemon cake mix and add a little lemon zest to the filling.
Pumpkin Spice Bars: Use a spice cake mix for the crust and mix a little pumpkin puree into the cream cheese layer.
Nutty Delight Bars: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the gooey layer before baking for added crunch.
Festive Funfetti Bars: Use a white cake mix and stir colorful sprinkles into the gooey layer for a festive touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze for Later: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
A Little History Behind Gooey Butter Bars
Gooey Butter Bars originated in St. Louis, Missouri, where they were created by accident in the 1930s. Legend has it that a baker mistakenly added too much sugar and butter to his cake recipe, resulting in a dense, gooey dessert that quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, the recipe has been adapted and simplified, making it a beloved treat across the country.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Butter Bars are the kind of dessert that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. With their rich flavors, simple preparation, and irresistible texture, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the suggested variations, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of the most delicious Gooey Butter Bars you’ve ever tasted.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—after all, everyone deserves a little gooey butter goodness in their lives!