Description
Gooey Butter Bars are a decadent treat bursting with sweet, salty, and ooey-gooey flavors. Featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy, rich layer of cream cheese and powdered sugar, these bars bake to a golden perfection that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, they are simple to make and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3⁄4 cup butter, melted
Top Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix crust dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Form crust dough: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the eggs and melted butter. Beat with an electric mixer starting at medium speed until a thick dough forms.
- Press crust into pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the lined pan, forming the crust layer, and set aside.
- Prepare top layer: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, beating well to combine.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and is set.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate the bars for 2 hours or freeze them for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into bars, serve, and enjoy the sweet, gooey deliciousness!
Notes
- For easier slicing, chilling the bars after baking helps them firm up and reduces stickiness.
- Using room temperature eggs in the top layer helps create a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment paper to easily lift out the bars for cutting and serving.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a nice salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
