A Sweet Treat with Southern Roots

Ooey Gooey Bars are a classic dessert recipe with strong roots in Southern baking. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, this sweet treat became a staple in home kitchens across the United States because of its irresistible texture—crispy on the edges, but rich, creamy, and gooey in the center. The name alone makes people curious, and once they try it, they understand why it’s stuck around for decades. It’s the kind of dessert you bring to potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings, and it always disappears fast. These bars are proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly indulgent and memorable.

Why Cream Cheese and Cake Mix Work Together So Well

The genius of this recipe lies in the combination of cream cheese and yellow cake mix. Cream cheese provides the rich, tangy base that balances out the sweetness, while the cake mix forms a buttery crust that holds everything together. The contrast between the chewy base and the creamy topping is what makes every bite so addictive. Another great feature is its simplicity—you don’t need advanced baking skills or fancy equipment. Just mix, pour, and bake. That’s why these bars are often one of the first homemade desserts kids remember helping their parents or grandparents make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Every Time

Ooey Gooey Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or even top them with fresh berries or whipped cream. They can be served warm for extra gooeyness or chilled for a firmer bite. The recipe is also forgiving—if you slightly underbake them, they’ll still taste amazing. If you’re looking for a dessert that pleases both kids and adults, these bars are guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. With only a few pantry staples and less than an hour from start to finish, they’re as convenient as they are decadent.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Gooey Layer

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 16 oz. powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until smooth.

Pat and press the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.

3. Make the Gooey Layer

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add beaten eggs and mix for 1–2 minutes.

Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy and well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust. Spread evenly.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should remain gooey—do not overbake.

5. Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve as is, or dust with extra powdered sugar.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars

Nutrition Information (per bar, approx.)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 30g

Q1: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can try white, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix for a fun twist. Each variation changes the overall flavor but keeps the gooey texture intact.

Q2: How do I store Ooey Gooey Bars?

Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q3: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely. These bars actually taste better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop. Simply bake, cool, and store until ready to serve.

Q4: Why did my bars turn out too firm?

The key to gooey bars is not overbaking them. If they’re too firm, they were likely in the oven too long. Remember—the center should still look a little soft when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.