Southern Ooey Gooey Bars

Southern Ooey Gooey Bars
📝 Ingredients
For the Crust
1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Gooey Layer
225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 ½–4 cups (400–450 g) powdered sugar
🥣 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat to 180°C (350°F).
   Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line with parchment.
2. Make the Crust
   In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined.
   Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Make the Gooey Layer
   Beat cream cheese until smooth.
   Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
   Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy and thick.
4. Assemble
   Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
5. Bake
   Bake for 35–45 minutes.
   Edges should be golden
   Center should still be slightly soft (that’s the “ooey gooey” part!)
6. Cool & Slice
   Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
   ✨ Tips for Success
   Don’t overbake—the center should jiggle slightly
   Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
   Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts