If you’re a fan of rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts, then these Ooey Gooey Bars are exactly what you need! With a chewy base and a luscious, creamy filling, these bars are the ultimate indulgence.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, holidays, or a weekend treat, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and bake the most delicious batch of Ooey Gooey Bars!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these bars, and they come together in no time!
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until you get a soft dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined, resulting in a thick and creamy batter.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center is slightly gooey—this is what makes them perfectly ooey-gooey!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. For an extra sweet touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Ooey Gooey Bars
Don’t overbake – The bars should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Use room temperature cream cheese – This makes the filling smooth and creamy, avoiding lumps.
Let them cool completely – This ensures they set properly and hold their shape when sliced.
Experiment with add-ins – Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies for extra flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – Takes just minutes to prepare.
Perfectly gooey and rich – A dessert that melts in your mouth.
Crowd-pleaser – Great for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Customizable – Switch up flavors with different cake mixes and mix-ins.
How to Store Ooey Gooey Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for the best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Fun Variations to Try
Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars – Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake for a fudgy version.
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars – Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the filling and use a spice cake mix.
Peanut Butter Swirl Bars – Swirl in ½ cup of peanut butter into the filling for a nutty twist.
Lemon Gooey Bars – Use a lemon cake mix and add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy kick.