These bars are the kind of treat you want to keep all to yourself… but you’ll definitely want to share! They’re rich, decadent, and, yes, absolutely ooey-gooey in the best possible way. Think of them as a cross between a cookie and a brownie – perfectly chewy with just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness. If you’re craving a dessert that’s indulgent but not too difficult to make, you’re in the right place. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Ooey Gooey Bars
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just treating yourself, these bars will never disappoint. Here’s why they’re so loved:
Versatile: You can add whatever mix-ins you like – chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that don’t break the bank – the ultimate comfort treat without the cost.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time for maximum flavor. You’ll be enjoying them in no time!
Customizable: Want to switch up the flavors? Add some peanut butter, marshmallows, or even swap in different chocolate types.
Crowd-Pleasing: This is a dessert that pleases everyone. Expect empty plates and lots of “who made these?” questions.
Ingredients in Ooey Gooey Bars
Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it uses everyday ingredients that come together to create something special. Let’s break it down:
Butter: The base of the bars. When melted, butter brings a rich, flavorful depth that gives these bars their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds that extra bit of sweetness and moisture, giving the bars their chewy texture.
Eggs: Binding everything together and giving the bars their lovely texture.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings everything to life, enhancing the sweetness and depth of flavor.
Flour: The structure of the bars. It ensures everything holds together while still being perfectly gooey in the middle.
Baking Powder: This helps the bars rise just a little, giving them that soft, slightly cakey texture.
Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient! These melt into the bars, creating pockets of warm, gooey chocolate.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this ooey-gooey masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives the bars the right texture.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Feel free to toss in some extra chocolate if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars need to stay soft and gooey.
Finishing Touches: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. The cooling step is essential to ensure they set just right while still being wonderfully gooey in the center.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm (or at room temperature) and enjoy! These bars are perfect with a glass of milk or as an afternoon treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 280
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars
These bars are fantastic on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with some tasty accompaniments:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect match for these warm, gooey bars.
- Whipped Cream: Top your bars with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Add a touch of freshness with some juicy strawberries or raspberries on the side.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For extra gooeyness: Underbake slightly. The bars will firm up a little as they cool, but they’ll stay perfectly gooey in the center.
- Use quality chocolate chips: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks.
- Make them your own: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch, peanut butter, or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
FAQ’s
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture. - Can I use a different sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but brown sugar gives these bars their signature chewiness. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. - What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can chop up a chocolate bar into small pieces or use other mix-ins like peanut butter chips. - Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers if needed. - How do I know when they’re done?
When a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done! They’ll continue to set as they cool. - Can I add nuts to these bars?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are great additions if you want a little crunch. - How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. - Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Ooey gooey, sweet, and utterly irresistible—these bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, they’re bound to become a new favorite. So, go ahead and give them a try; I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Ooey Gooey Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ooey Gooey Bars are a deliciously sweet treat with a soft, buttery base and a rich, gooey filling. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
**For the Base:**
– 1 box of yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 egg
**For the Filling:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg to make the base. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, flour, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
6. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
– These bars are best served at room temperature.
– For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg