Let me introduce you to one of life’s greatest dessert treasures: Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars. These beauties are buttery, rich, and ridiculously easy to make with just a handful of ingredients—but the flavor? Totally next level.

You start with a simple cake mix base, layer it with a luscious, sweet cream cheese topping, and bake it into a golden, slightly crackly-topped dream that practically begs to be devoured. The center stays soft and gooey (hence the name!), while the edges turn a little chewy and caramelized. Oh. My. Goodness.

These bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, bake sales—or those nights when you just need a no-fuss, feel-good treat that delivers every single time.

Trust me, this one’s dangerously addictive… in the best way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 7 ingredients and crazy easy to make
• Rich, buttery flavor with melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Perfect mix of soft, gooey, and slightly crisp edges
• Feeds a crowd (or keeps well for sneaky snacks all week)
• It starts with cake mix—hello, shortcut queen!

Ingredients

For the Crust Layer

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Gooey Cream Cheese Topping

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust Layer

In a medium bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Mix the Gooey Topping

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set but the center still has a little jiggle. (That gooey center is what dreams are made of!)

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner cuts, chill them in the fridge for an hour or so first. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a dreamy finish.

Tips for Gooey Perfection

• Don’t overbake! The center should still look slightly soft when you take them out.
• Want a flavor twist? Try using lemon cake mix or spice cake for seasonal vibes.
• These bars freeze beautifully—just wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips or toffee bits to the topping for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Totally! White, lemon, strawberry, or even red velvet are all amazing.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, store them covered in the fridge. They taste amazing cold or at room temp.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives a better flavor and texture, but margarine will work in a pinch!

Conclusion

These Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are the dessert equivalent of a warm hug—sweet, simple, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something truly irresistible, these bars are the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep tucked in your back pocket forever.

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Watch How to Make Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars