If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the festive spirit and leaves everyone asking for seconds, these Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe are an absolute must-make. Imagine a golden buttery crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling that is perfectly sweet, rich, and gorgeously gooey right in the center. Finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are a holiday crowd-pleaser that shine on cookie trays, potlucks, or anytime you need a taste of Christmas magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect batch of Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet powerful in creating that irresistible texture and flavor you crave. Each component plays its part, from the buttery cake mix base to the creamy, dreamy cream cheese layer that sets this recipe apart.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a light and fluffy crust with a beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the bars soft and tender.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while giving the cake structure.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates the signature creamy layer that’s smooth and tangy.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer and serves as a festive dusting topping.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cream cheese mixture for a classic taste.
How to Make Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Grease a 9×13-inch pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, so the bars won’t stick and come out perfectly clean. This prep is the foundation for those gorgeous bars that stay intact after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with ½ cup melted unsalted butter and one large egg. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a dough-like consistency. This cake mix base will provide the sturdiness your cream cheese layer needs to shine while staying soft underneath. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan with clean hands or the back of a spatula for an even crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then add two large eggs, ½ cup melted butter, 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until completely combined and smooth. This luscious cream cheese filling is what makes the bars uniquely gooey and festive.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite has that creamy goodness. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the center remains just slightly gooey—this is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone adores in the Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe.
Step 5: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set properly. Then, dust a generous layer of powdered sugar over the top to give them a snowy, festive look that will wow your guests visually and add an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe
Garnishes
Serving these bars with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, festive red and green sprinkles, or finely chopped toasted nuts adds a textural contrast and a burst of holiday cheer. Fresh berries like raspberries or cranberries can brighten the flavors and make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
You can pair these delightfully rich bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee complements the bars perfectly, balancing their sweetness with warmth and bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into mini squares and serving them on festive platters lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. For a party, stack them in layers on a decorative cake stand or package individually in clear bags tied with ribbons as charming edible gifts that showcase your baking talents!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For a longer shelf life, refrigeration is ideal—where they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual bars gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that ooey-gooey magic, or warm them in a low oven if serving a larger quantity. Just be careful not to overheat so the cream cheese layer stays creamy, not dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional for its buttery flavor, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes to add different festive notes to your bars.
Do I have to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to blend smoothly with the other ingredients, which ensures a creamy, lump-free filling for your bars.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is key for the creamy layer’s texture and the snowy topping. If you don’t have it, make your own by blitzing granulated sugar in a blender until it’s fine and powdery, but be careful to measure the same quantity.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix, and make sure all your other ingredients (especially the powdered sugar) haven’t been cross-contaminated to keep the bars safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a lightly set cream cheese layer and golden edges with a slightly soft center. The middle should still jiggle just a bit when you gently shake the pan—this gooeyness is what makes this recipe so magical!
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe has inspired you to bring a little extra joy and sweetness to your holiday season. These bars are not just easy to make but incredibly delicious, combining festive flavors and a texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished tradition that friends and family look forward to year after year.
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars with Cream Cheese LayerRecipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a festive holiday treat featuring a rich and soft yellow cake base topped with a luscious cream cheese layer. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are delightfully gooey in the center and perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cake Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Mix until well blended, then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base crust.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, two large eggs, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base layer in the baking pan, spreading gently to cover the base completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bars are done when the center is still slightly gooey but the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing.
- If desired, add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese layer for a festive twist.
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