Ooey Gooey Bars

Ooey Gooey Bars: A Deliciously Simple Treat

Get ready to sink your teeth into the delightful decadence of Ooey Gooey Bars. These bars are a perfect marriage of textures: a soft and fluffy center nestled within a slightly crisp crust. The sweetness level is just right – not overpowering, but enough to satisfy your cravings. Simply put, they're irresistible!

Why You'll Love Ooey Gooey Bars:

• Effortlessly Easy: These bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and no fancy equipment. They're a perfect recipe for beginner bakers or busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Powerhouse: Ooey Gooey Bars are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. The combination of flavors and textures is universally loved, making them a perfect choice for potlucks or gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of everyday ingredients. You likely have most, if not all, of them on hand already. No need for a special shopping trip!
• Melts-in-Your-Mouth Magic: The combination of a buttery crust and a rich, gooey center creates a truly decadent experience. Each bite is a textural and flavor explosion!
• Family Favorite, Forever Loved: This recipe is a classic that has been passed down through generations. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a treasured dessert in many families.

Ingredients:

• The Crumbly Crust:
• 1 box (dry) yellow cake mix - A dry yellow cake mix forms the base for the easy and flavorful crust.
• The Gooey Magic:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese - Softened cream cheese creates the base for the rich and decadent gooey layer.
• 2 large beaten eggs - Beaten eggs add richness, structure, and help bind the gooey layer ingredients together.
• 16 ounces powdered sugar - Powdered sugar sweetens the gooey layer and creates its signature smooth texture.
• The Binding Agent:
• 8 tablespoons melted butter - Melted butter adds moisture and richness to the crust, creating a crumbly and delicious texture.
• 1 egg - An egg helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

Easy Peasy Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly and the gooey center sets perfectly.
2. Creating the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix well using a spoon or spatula until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly over the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
3. Preparing the Gooey Layer: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the beaten eggs and continue beating for another minute or two, until well incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and spreadable.
4. Assembling and Baking: Pour the prepared gooey layer over the top of the pressed crust in the baking pan. Ensure the gooey layer is spread evenly. Bake the bars in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as the center should still be gooey.
5. Cool Completely and Enjoy! Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares. This allows the gooey layer to set properly.

Now you're ready to savor these delightful Ooey Gooey Bars! Enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee or milk, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.