Description
Gooey Butter Cake Bars are indulgent, easy-to-make dessert bars with a buttery crust and rich, creamy filling—perfect for gatherings or anytime you crave a homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- Powdered sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until just combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden at edges.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating to combine.
- Fold in 1/4 cup flour until smooth and creamy.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely on a rack, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Lift out using parchment, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for a citrus twist.
- Swirl in melted chocolate or top with chopped nuts before baking.
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Bars firm up as they cool—don’t overbake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
