Gooey Butter Cake Bars

If you’re craving a rich, sweet treat that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious, cream cheese cake bars are your answer. These bars feature a buttery, golden crust made from yellow cake mix pressed into a pan, topped with a luscious, creamy filling of cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. When baked just right, they become melt-in-your-mouth bars perfect for dessert, parties, or anytime indulgence.

With just about an hour from start to finish, including prep and baking time, this recipe is accessible to both beginner and experienced bakers. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create an elegant, satisfying dessert. Plus, the recipe yields about 12 generous bars, each with around 320 calories, making them a delightful treat to share or save for later.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• A step-by-step guide to making cream cheese cake bars
• Key tips and ingredient breakdowns to perfect your bars
• Variations to customize flavor and texture
• Storage advice to keep bars fresh and delicious
• Nutritional information and serving suggestions
• Frequently asked questions answered

Let’s dive in and learn how to bake these buttery, creamy cream cheese cake bars that will quickly become a family favorite!

What Are Cream Cheese Cake Bars?

Cream cheese cake bars are a decadent dessert that combines the light, fluffy texture of cake with the smooth richness of a cheesecake filling. Unlike traditional layered cakes or cheesecakes, these bars simplify preparation by pressing a yellow cake mix crust directly into a pan and baking it topped with a creamy filling.

This dessert has become popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the familiar flavor and crumb of cake, enhanced by the tangy cream cheese sweetness in a convenient bar form. Many home cooks praise how the combination of simple pantry staples produces a bakery-quality treat at home with minimal fuss.

The texture is delightful:

• A buttery, slightly crisp cake crust on the bottom and edges
• A soft, creamy, and slightly dense top layer with a sweet vanilla aroma
• A golden finish that signals perfect baking and balanced sweetness

Cream cheese cake bars are often shared on baking blogs and recipe sites, where they’re lauded for their ease and crowd-pleasing appeal. They are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy weekend dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating perfect cream cheese cake bars depends on the right balance of ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at each component:

The Crust

• Yellow cake mix: The base of the crust provides structure and buttery sweetness. Using a good quality cake mix ensures a soft but sturdy foundation.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the cake mix into a dough-like crust. It adds richness and helps the crust crisp up during baking.
• Egg: The egg works as a binder to hold the crust together, creating a smooth, even layer in the pan.

The Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the star of the filling, delivering tangy richness and a smooth, velvety texture.
• Eggs: Eggs stabilize the filling and help it set during baking, giving the bars a cheesecake-like firmness without heaviness.
• Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and dissolves smoothly, ensuring no grainy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.

All these ingredients combine seamlessly to create cream cheese cake bars with a balance of flavors and textures — buttery crust meets creamy, sweet topping.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A consistent oven temperature ensures even baking and a golden finish.
• Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars.

Making the Crust

• In a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to cover all corners and edges. This creates the crust that will support the creamy filling.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition to avoid lumps.
• Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the filling is creamy and smooth.

Assembling and Baking

• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed crust and spread evenly.
• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center should be just firm to the touch.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This resting time helps the filling set fully for clean slices.

Serving

• Cut into 12 squares and serve as is, or chill for a firmer texture.
• These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Tips, Variations & Storage

To make the best cream cheese cake bars, consider these tips and variations:

Best Practices

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Press the crust firmly and evenly to ensure it holds together after baking.
• Avoid overbaking; check the bars at 40 minutes to prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations

• Add fruit swirls: Swirl raspberry jam or blueberry preserves into the cream cheese layer before baking for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate lovers: Mix chocolate chips into the crust or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for warmth.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

These tips will help you tailor the recipe to your taste and keep your cream cheese cake bars fresh and delicious longer.

Nutritional Info & Serving Ideas

Each cream cheese cake bar contains approximately 320 calories, offering a satisfying dessert portion that balances indulgence with portion control.

These bars are ideal for:

• Dessert after family meals
• Potlucks or gatherings where finger foods are preferred
• Holiday celebrations like birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas

For serving, try these ideas:

• Pair with fresh fruit or a berry compote for freshness
• Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence

With these serving suggestions, your cream cheese cake bars will become the highlight of any occasion.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Cake Bars

Conclusion

Cream cheese cake bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that turns everyday ingredients into a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Their buttery crust and creamy filling make them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive celebrations.

Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own. Try adding fruit swirls, chocolate chips, or spices for unique variations.

Ready to make your own batch of cream cheese cake bars? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your favorite twists or feedback on our website—your destination for delicious, easy-to-make desserts!