Gooey Bars (aka Cream Cheese Bars)
I have no idea what these bars should actually be called or where this recipe really came from… It’s likely to have come on the back of a cream cheese box for all I know. (Actually, Google helped me to find this recipe which is the same). This is another recipe that my family loves. My sisters practically know this recipe by heart. Similar to the “best dang thing ever bars”, my sisters also prefer to underbake these bars, hence the name gooey bars. I tend to like my bars fully cooked so they hold their shape better. If you prefer an even gooier texture, take these out of the oven a couple minutes early.
I know some of you will shudder at the thought of using a box cake mix. I agree that in general, I would much rather make a cake/cookie/brownie from scratch. For starters, it’s a lot more fun as a baker to measure everything out and follow a recipe that has more than two steps. Not to mention knowing exactly what is in your food (and being able to pronounce it all!) I do however believe that boxed cake mix has a time and a place. One of those places being in this bar.
These bars taste almost like a cheesecake with a great chewy shortbread crust. Everyone that tried one really enjoyed them and Hubby ate an embarassingly large number of these bars.
Gooey Bars
Yield: 30
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 pound powdered sugar
1 8-oz package cream cheese
Directions:
Mix cake mix, margarine & 1 egg with fork. Press into bottom of greased 9 x 13 pan, set aside.
Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese and 2 eggs for 4 or 5 minutes. Pour over cake mixture.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into bars.
Recipe from my step mom
Don’t forget – I’m offering a chance to win a cute tote if you donate $5 or more to my Avon Walk by the end of January. See details here.












I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 






This looks just plain amazing…and I’m not even a huge chocolate fan! The different textures must be delectable — good thing Valentine’s Day is coming up =)
This looks like my favorite cake I’ve never tried. Yum! After reading the directions, it seems like you could reduce the prep time by simply preparing the brownie batter first and setting it aside while prepping the cake batter, and then baking them at the same time. Either way, I am putting this on my “MUSTS!” list. Thanks for sharing.
Wow!! That looks amazing. It would make a great chocolage indulgence for Valentine’s Day.
WOW! That looks amazing! I love the filling. I’m starring to try for sure. Chocolate cake is always a big winner with guests. 🙂
Mmmm….chocolate! Looks fantastic 🙂
Man, this cake is serious stuff!! I would love some of that! Thanks for all the tips on how to make it more efficiently.
Wow.
That is one amazing way to celebrate.
OMG That looks awesome. I wish I could take it out of the computer screen and eat it right now!!!
While I’m not a chocolate cake fan I have to say that is one delicious and impressive looking cake! Definitely makes wish I was into chocolate. 🙂
~ingrid
Did anyone count the calories? 😉
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I really feel hungry!
Cheers,
Carsten
tasteandshare.com
food social network * wine social network
gloof
Talk about death by chocolate! That looks incredible!
This is such a beautiful cake! I really want to give it a whirl. A lot of chocolate but totally worth it!
omg. this looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. can i get a piece right now please?!
wow. that looks amazing
Looks absolutely fabulous. Really wonderful photos too!
So glad I stumbled upon your blog.
🙂
ButterYum
beautiful cake! one can never be tired of Chocolate! and those strawberries steal the show!:)
Yummy! that would’ve have been a perfect finger food! love the cheesy texture:)
this would be perfect for the Valentine day giveaway I’m hosting on my blog. would be great if you could participate!
http://www.funandfoodcafe.com/2010/02/valentine-super-bowl-recipe-carnival.html
Is a cake like this even legal? This is going to be a most special addition in the KOL round up. Thanks for participating, Jen!
Wow!! Just the way the CHocorango likes! Kinda perfect!
When I made this, I almost went into a chocolate coma. But it was totally worth it!!!