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
Scale
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.