ooey gooey butter bars recipe

ooey gooey butter bars recipe

The Best ooey gooey butter bars recipe

I’ve been making ooey gooey butter bars for years, and they’re still a favorite in our household. The first time I made them, I was hooked – the combination of a crumbly shortbread crust and a gooey butter filling is pure magic.

My kids love helping me mix the dough and press it into the pan, and my husband can’t resist going back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a Tuesday.

They’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients, but they’re impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, they’re relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats – the shortbread crust is made with whole wheat flour and the butter filling is just sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth without being overpowering.

When I serve these bars at parties, they’re always a hit – people can’t get enough of that ooey gooey goodness! And the best part?

They’re ridiculously easy to make ahead of time – just bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering, ooey gooey butter bars are the perfect choice.

I’ve experimented with different flavor combinations over the years – lemon zest in the butter filling, chocolate chips mixed into the dough – but the classic recipe remains my favorite. There’s just something about that golden-brown crust and that rich, buttery filling that makes my heart skip a beat.

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

4.9 from 833 votes

These butter bars feature a buttery crust topped with a creamy, sweet, and tangy cream cheese layer. They are a classic dessert bar that is rich, indulgent, and easy to make.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Filling

1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
3In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg.
4Stir until a thick dough forms.
5Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it reaches the edges.
6In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
7Add the 2 eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
8Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
9Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
11The bars will firm up as they cool.
12Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
13For cleaner slices, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
14Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 310mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and let it come to room temperature before mixing. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Works

These ooey gooey butter bars are truly one of my go-to recipes for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a Tuesday. And don’t even get me started on how well they freeze!

Simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen ooey gooey butter bars, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave them until warm through.

When you’re ready to serve your ooey gooey butter bars at your next gathering, consider pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries – the sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with that rich buttery flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

What is the origin of ooey gooey butter bars?

Ooey gooey butter bars originated in St. Louis, Missouri, where they’ve been a staple at local bakeries and cafes for decades. The exact origin story is unclear, but it’s believed that German immigrants brought their love of sweet pastries to the city, where they merged with American baking traditions to create this unique dessert.

How do I store ooey gooey butter bars?

To keep your ooey gooey butter bars fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make ooey gooey butter bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time – simply bake them when you want them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Are ooey gooey butter bars suitable for special diets?

While traditional recipes use refined sugar and all-purpose flour, you can easily modify this recipe to suit your dietary needs by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

How do I reheat ooey gooey butter bars?

To reheat your ooey gooey butter bars, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

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