Ooey Gooey Bars (Yum Yum Bars)

Ooey Gooey Bars also called Yum Yum Bars are simply irresistible! With only 6 basic ingredients, they're a quick and simple sweet treat. They have a vanilla cake-like bottom with the creamiest custard-like topping.

Ooey Gooey Bars are a classic Southern dessert that's been passed down through the ages. This recipe comes straight from one our family cookbooks from my Mamaw Estine! Loved for their rich, creamy texture, they're a simple yet delightful dessert perfect for any occasion!

These 6 ingredient bars are easy to make with a convenient yellow cake mix, butter, pecans, eggs, cream cheese and powdered sugar. It's a super quick treat to make when you're short on time also perfect for beginner bakers looking for a foolproof recipe.

These bars really are a fan favorite, if you're looking for some other tried and true family desserts try my Sad Cake, White Chocolate Cake, or 1-2-3-4 Cake.

What's the Difference Between Yum Yum Bars and Chess Bars

While both Yum Yum Bars and Chess Bars are delicious dessert bars, they differ in their ingredients, texture, and flavor profiles. Ooey Gooey Bars have a denser and cake-like texture with a buttery crust made from yellow cake mix, while Chess Bars have a crumbly and textured crust with a more cookie-like consistency. Additionally, the flavor profiles of each bar vary, with Yum Yum Bars being sweeter and creamier, while Chess Bars have a richer and nuttier taste.

These bars are not the same as an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, made famous by Paula Dean and served at her restaurant. Her bars have less eggs, double the butter, and the addition of vanilla extract. They're much richer and gooier.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With only 6 basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and easy to make! Cooks of all levels can make this delicious treat!
• Sweet Memories: It's an old-fashioned recipe that brings back happy memories of grandma's house, potlucks, and school bake sales.
• Amazing Texture: They have the perfect contrast between a soft, creamy filling and slightly firm but tender pecan crust.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are an excellent dessert to bring to a get-together, family reunions, work event, or holiday celebration.

Laura Ashley's Tip: Be sure to set your cream cheese out to room temperature for easier and better mixing. If you forget, just microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until soft to the touch.

Ingredients

Scroll down to see the ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the structure and sweetness to the bottom layer of the Yum Yum Bars and adds a golden color and buttery flavor to the crust.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust layer. Helps bind the ingredients together and provides moisture.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bars.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent, helping to hold the crust together and giving structure to the filling. Contribute to the texture and richness of the bars.
• Cream Cheese: Main ingredient in the creamy filling layer of the Chess Bars. Provides richness, creaminess, and tanginess to the bars. Acts as a stabilizer for the filling, giving it structure and helping it set during baking.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the filling and as a dusting on top of the baked bars. Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the filling.

Tools You'll Need

• Mixing Bowls
• Hand Mixer 
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 13”x9” Baking Dish

How to make these Ooey Gooey Bars

1. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, pecans, and 1 egg. Stir or mix with a mixer until well combined. 

2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a buttered 13"x9" baking dish to form the crust layer.

3. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, and beat again for 30 seconds.

4. Add 12 ounces or approximately 2 ⅔ cups of the powdered sugar. Beat until creamy and smooth.

5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mixture in the baking dish.

6. Place the baking dish in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the Yum Yum Bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with desired amount of powdered sugar.

8. Cut into squares or bars.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Properly Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, resulting in a creamier filling.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the butter and cream cheese. Using premium ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the bars.
• Add Flavor Enhancers: You can add flavor enhancers such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Allow to Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing. This allows the filling to set properly and makes for cleaner, easier cutting.
• Butter: I use salted butter, but unsalted works as well. If you choose to use unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the crust's batter when mixing.

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Variations

These bars have a delicious base recipe that can be customized with all different ingredients to make a variety of flavors.

• Chocolate Chip: Fold chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a decadent chocolate twist.
• Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the filling or sprinkle it over the top for a tropical flavor.
• Nutella: Swirl Nutella into the cream cheese filling for a rich and indulgent treat.
• Fruit: Layer sliced fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, over the crust before adding the filling for a fruity variation.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese filling for a seasonal twist.
• Lemon: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Red Velvet: Use a red velvet cake mix for the crust and swirl cream cheese filling for a stunning and festive dessert.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for the crust and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version of Yum Yum Bars.

Storage and Freezing

You can enjoy your Ooey Gooey Butter Bars fresh and delicious for an extended period, making them a convenient treat to have on hand whenever cravings strike.

Storing: If you plan to consume the bars within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. For longer storage, it's best to refrigerate. They can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or all of them in a freezer safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the bars fresh for longer. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing: For best results, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. This allows them to thaw gradually and maintains their texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can let the bars thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving. However, be mindful of the potential for condensation to form.

Frequently Asked Questions

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