How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Preheat
Set your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth and thick—almost like cookie dough.
Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and continue mixing until creamy.
Add powdered sugar and beat until fully combined and silky.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the gooey mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes—you want the center set but still soft. Don’t overbake!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool fully before slicing. This is the hardest step… but trust me, totally worth it.
What to Serve with Ooey Gooey Bars
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Fresh berries
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Vanilla ice cream
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Coffee or espresso
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Hot cocoa
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Whipped cream
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A drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce
Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars
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Soften the cream cheese fully for a silky top layer.
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Don’t overbake—the gooey center is the whole point!
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Let cool before slicing to avoid messy edges.
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Grease your pan well; the crust is sticky when warm.
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Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid lumps.
Storage Instructions
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Room temperature: 2–3 days
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Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
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Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight
General Information
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Yield: 12–18 bars
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: ~40 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called Ooey Gooey Bars?
Because the top layer stays soft, creamy, and gooey even after baking!
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely—lemon, chocolate, strawberry, even spice cake works!
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! They store wonderfully and even taste better the next day.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
They’ll last longer and stay fresher if refrigerated, but room temp is okay for a couple of days.
Why is my crust hard?
It may have been overbaked. Pull the bars out when the top is set but still soft.
Conclusion
These Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect blend of simple ingredients and irresistible flavor. Sweet, creamy, buttery, nostalgic… they’re everything dessert should be and more. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a potluck, or a cozy weekend baking session, these bars are guaranteed to bring big smiles and empty plates.
And if you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts—ohhh, just wait. I have so many more coming your way!
Recommended Desserts to Try Next
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Meltaway Cream Cheese Bars
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Old-Fashioned Butter Cake Bars
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White Chocolate Caramel Fudge
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Strawberry Cheesecake Squares
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Lemon Gooey Butter Bars
Share Your Sweet Creations!
If you make these Ooey Gooey Bars, please leave a review!
And don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest—I love seeing what you bake.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar)
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Calories: ~240
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Fat: 11g
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Carbs: 33g
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Protein: 3g