If you’re dreaming of a dessert that practically melts in your mouth, Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are your answer. This classic American treat features a soft yellow cake base topped with a rich, buttery cream cheese layer that’s baked until just set. The result? A warm, sweet, and slightly sticky dessert bar that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or need something easy yet impressive, this recipe has you covered. It’s one of those feel-good, no-fuss bakes that always brings smiles — and empty plates.
Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
You’re about to fall head over heels for this recipe — here’s why these Ooey Gooey Butter Bars deserve a permanent spot in your dessert rotation:
- Unbelievable Texture: A chewy, buttery crust topped with a creamy, gooey layer — every bite is perfection.
- Beginner Approved: With just a handful of ingredients and two simple layers, this recipe is super approachable.
- Big-Batch Friendly: Baked in a 9×13 pan, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Versatile Flavor Base: Try different cake mix flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips for fun variations.
Fun Facts & Origins of Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
This dessert’s quirky name tells the whole story — it’s ooey, gooey, and undeniably delicious! Here’s more about its sweet roots:
- Invented in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s when a baker accidentally reversed the ratios in a butter cake recipe.
- Sometimes called Gooey Butter Cake, it’s a staple in Midwest kitchens and bakeries.
- Traditionally made with boxed cake mix for ease and consistency.
- Often dusted with powdered sugar and served chilled or at room temperature.
Key Ingredients in Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for that signature buttery bite:
- Yellow Cake Mix – Forms the chewy, golden base layer with minimal effort.
- Butter – Melted and used in the crust for rich, moist flavor throughout.
- Eggs – Divided between layers to bind and add structure to both the base and topping.
- Cream Cheese – Softened to blend smoothly into the sweet, gooey topping.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese layer.
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavors with a warm, inviting touch.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Bars (Step-by-Step)
Master the Layers of This Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using a dark nonstick pan). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base Layer
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, and ½ cup melted butter. The dough will be thick — that’s perfect. Press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Topping
In the same bowl (no need to wash it!), beat 8 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Set
Bake for 35 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should still jiggle slightly — that’s how you get the gooey top.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner edges, chill in the fridge for an hour.
Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Tips and Twists
Get the most out of this decadent dessert with these easy ideas and flavor upgrades:
Top Tips:
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake — the gooey top is the whole point!
- A chilled knife cuts cleaner bars.
- Grease your pan generously or use parchment to prevent sticking.
- Let bars set completely before cutting to avoid a messy slice.
Tasty Twists:
- Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the cream cheese layer or use chocolate cake mix.
- Lemon Gooey Bars: Swap in lemon extract and a white cake mix for a citrusy twist.
- Holiday Spice: Stir in cinnamon or nutmeg and top with festive sprinkles.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your bars fresh and fuss-free with these handy tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: These are best enjoyed at room temp or slightly chilled, but you can warm a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the night before your event, chill, slice, and store in the fridge — flavors develop beautifully overnight.
Serving Suggestions for Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
These rich bars pair well with both bold and subtle flavors:
- Serve with Coffee: Their sweetness balances perfectly with a strong brew.
- Fruit Garnish: Add fresh raspberries or a dollop of fruit preserves on top.
- Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent bite, top with homemade whipped cream.
- Holiday Dessert Trays: Great for potlucks, parties, or as part of a cookie bar spread.
- With Ice Cream: A small square with a scoop of vanilla is a dreamy dessert plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a cake mix?
Yes! Use a homemade yellow cake base, but boxed mix keeps things super easy.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Chill them first and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
It’s optional, but refrigeration helps keep them firm and fresh longer.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Are they supposed to be jiggly in the center?
Yes! That’s the “gooey” part — they’ll firm up as they cool.
Enjoy Your Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
There’s something nostalgic and soul-satisfying about Ooey Gooey Butter Bars. From the first chewy bite to the sweet, custardy finish, this dessert hits all the right notes. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake, yet indulgent enough to serve at special gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and a little mixing magic, you’ve got a treat that’s guaranteed to wow. So go ahead — make them once, and they’ll be a forever favorite in your kitchen.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
If these bars hit your sweet spot, here are a few more cozy, beginner-friendly treats to try from Abby’s Recipes:
- Pair these with our Blueberry Bread Pudding for the ultimate dessert duo.
- Love creamy bakes? Try No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake — a chilled delight with no oven required.
- For something fruity and fresh, you’ll adore the Strawberry Shortcake.
- Craving cozy? Our Chocolate Zucchini Cake is moist, rich, and secretly packed with veggies.
Ooey Gooey Butter Bars – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible
Ingredients
- 1 18.25 oz package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 4 large eggs divided
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark pans). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 2 eggs, and melted butter. Mix until thick and doughy.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
- In the same bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the base layer and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35 minutes. The top should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely, then slice into squares and serve.