Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Prepare the crust.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well blended and a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the sticky topping.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the bars
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
. Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and set, while the center remains slightly spongy. Their creamy texture is what makes these bars so special!
Step 6: Cool and cut.
Let the Ooey Gooey bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling will help the filling harden, making them easier to cut.
Cook’s Notes
Cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy topping.
Baking time: Be careful not to overbake it; the center should be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
Mixing: Blend the crust ingredients until well combined to avoid a tough texture.
Variations
1. Sticky Chocolate Bars.
Substitute chocolate cake mix for the yellow cake mix for a rich, chocolatey treat. You can also add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the sticky topping for an extra indulgence.
2. Sticky Peanut Butter Bars Add
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture before adding the powdered sugar for a nutty flavor.
3. Lemon Sticky Bars
Replace the yellow cake mix with lemon cake mix and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the sticky topping for a fresh, citrusy version.
Presentation suggestions
Whipped cream: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Berries: Garnish with fresh berries to add a touch of tartness that balances the rich sweetness of the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sticky dough bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Ooey Gooey bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Experiment with different flavors, such as spice, red velvet, or strawberry, to create unique variations.
Sticky Bars are an exquisite and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. With their buttery base and sweet, creamy coating, these bars are sure to delight everyone. Whether you make them for a special event or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will undoubtedly become one of your favorites. Try it and enjoy its deliciously sticky texture!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and tell us how it turned out!
