The Best Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

For the gooey topping:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the base layer

In a bowl:

• Mix the cake mix, egg, and melted butter
• Stir until a thick dough forms

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Make the gooey filling

In another bowl:

• Beat the cream cheese until smooth
• Add eggs and vanilla, mix well
• Slowly add powdered sugar
• Pour in melted butter and mix until creamy

The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

4. Assemble

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer.
Spread it evenly to cover everything.

5. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes.

The center should still look slightly soft and gooey — don’t overbake!
That’s what gives the bars their famous texture.

6. Cool and serve

• Let the bars cool completely
• Cut into squares
• Optional: dust with powdered sugar

Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars

• Don’t overbake — the middle should stay soft
• Chill slightly before cutting for cleaner slices
• You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut

Result

Soft, rich, buttery bars with a gooey center and slightly crisp edges — super sweet and addictive.