Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for the filling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup of melted butter, and one large egg until a sticky dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step 3: Gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar, the remaining two large eggs, vanilla powder, and the 1/4 cup of melted butter to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until the filling is fully incorporated and smooth (do not overmix).
- Step 4: Carefully pour the gooey cream cheese filling over the cake mix crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Step 5: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing (about 2 hours at room temperature, or 30 minutes in the refrigerator). Before serving, dust the cooled bars generously with extra powdered sugar.
Notes
- To maintain that signature gooey texture, store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer storage, ensuring they are tightly wrapped.
- If the bars have been refrigerated, warm individual portions briefly (about 10 seconds) in the microwave to restore maximum softness and melt-in-your-mouth gooiness before serving.
- For a truly decadent dessert, serve these rich bars alongside a scoop of quality vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce.
- Be patient during the cooling phase; letting the bars set completely for at least two hours is essential for the filling to firm up just enough for clean, manageable slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American