Name: Gooey Butter Cake Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Gooey Butter Cake Bars: Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with these unbelievably rich and decadent treats! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bar with a perfectly crisp edge and a soft, gooey center. These aren't just any dessert; they're a taste of pure comfort and indulgence.

The story of Gooey Butter Cake begins in St. Louis, Missouri, where legend has it that a baker accidentally reversed the proportions of butter and flour in a traditional coffee cake recipe. Instead of tossing the mistake, they baked it anyway, and the result was a serendipitous creation that quickly became a local favorite. This happy accident has evolved into a beloved dessert enjoyed across the country, and now, you can easily recreate the magic at home with these convenient bars.

What makes Gooey Butter Cake Bars so irresistible? It's the symphony of textures and flavors! The buttery, slightly salty crust provides the perfect foundation for the sweet, creamy, and intensely gooey filling. People adore these bars because they are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. Whether you're baking for a crowd, a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a taste of St. Louis tradition with every delicious bite!

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Gooey Topping:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparing the Cake Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It's crucial to have the oven at the right temperature for even baking. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking pan.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it, but you can also grease it with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to remove.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to mix these ingredients together. Start on low speed to prevent the cake mix from flying everywhere, and then increase the speed to medium.
Mix until the ingredients are well combined and a dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake base.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. I find it easiest to use my fingers to press the dough down. You can also use the back of a spoon or a spatula to help spread it out evenly. Make sure the dough covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Making the Gooey Topping:

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is a very important step! Make sure the cream cheese and butter are truly softened, otherwise you'll end up with lumps in your topping. Beat for at least 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth and emulsified topping.
Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the topping and adds a touch of warmth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, or it will create a cloud of dust! Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the topping is smooth and creamy.

Assembling and Baking:

Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the topping to ensure it covers the entire base.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The center should still be slightly gooey, but not liquid. Keep a close eye on the bars while they're baking, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial! If you try to cut the bars while they're still warm, they will be very messy and difficult to handle. Cooling allows the topping to set and firm up.
Once the bars are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look even more appealing.
Cut the bars into squares and serve. I like to cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can cut them into any size you prefer.

Tips for Success:

Softened Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before making the topping. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to start baking.
Don't Overbake: The bars should be slightly gooey in the center when they're done baking. Overbaking will result in a dry and crumbly texture.
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will allow the topping to set and prevent them from being too messy.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations: You can add different extracts to the topping, such as almond extract or lemon extract, for a different flavor. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the topping for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting:

Topping is too thin: If your topping is too thin, it could be because your cream cheese or butter wasn't softened enough. Make sure to use softened ingredients.
Topping is lumpy: If your topping is lumpy, it could be because you didn't beat the cream cheese and butter long enough. Beat them until they are smooth and creamy.
Bars are too dry: If your bars are too dry, it could be because you overbaked them. Make sure to bake them for the correct amount of time.
Bars are too messy: If your bars are too messy, it could be because you didn't let them cool completely before cutting them. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the gooey butter cake bars as a dessert for any occasion.
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
They are also great for potlucks, parties, and bake sales.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can make the gooey butter cake bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: 350-400
Fat: 20-25g
Saturated Fat: 12-15g
Cholesterol: 80-100mg
Sodium: 200-250mg
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Sugar: 30-35g
Protein: 3-4g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are truly something special, a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I know I always do! The buttery, slightly salty crust perfectly complements the sweet, gooey, almost custard-like topping. It's a symphony of deliciousness in every single bite. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's surprisingly easy to make. We're talking minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can absolutely nail this recipe. It's the perfect dessert to whip up for a last-minute gathering, a potluck, or simply when you're craving something sweet and comforting. Plus, the "wow" factor is off the charts! People will think you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when in reality, it was a breeze. Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! These bars are fantastic served warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bar and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly. You could also dust them with a generous layer of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. For variations, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips to the topping for a chocolatey twist. Or, swirl in some raspberry jam for a fruity and tangy flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. During the holidays, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg would add a warm and festive touch. I've even experimented with adding a layer of cream cheese to the topping for an even richer and creamier texture – and let me tell you, it was divine! Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe your own. These Gooey Butter Cake Bars are also incredibly portable, making them perfect for picnics, road trips, or lunchbox treats. Just cut them into squares, wrap them individually, and you're good to go. They're also a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll still be just as delicious! I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It's easy, delicious, and versatile. It's the kind of dessert that everyone will love, and it's sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Gooey Butter Cake Bars! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve them with ice cream or powdered sugar? What did your friends and family think? Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your baking adventures. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!