A famously rich and decadent bar cookie, also known as Gooey Butter Bars. This recipe features a chewy chocolate cake mix base topped with a sweet, gooey cream cheese layer that bakes to perfection.

Author

Unknown


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
For the Base Layer:
1 boxDevil’s Food Cake Mix
1 stick (½ cup)Margarine or Butter, softened
2Eggs
1 cup (optional)Coconut Flakes
1 cup (optional)Chopped Nuts
For the Top Layer:
8 ouncesCream Cheese, softened
1 stick (½ cup)Margarine or Butter, softened
1 pound (1 box)Powdered Sugar

Instructions

For the Base Layer

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x9 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the 2 eggs and 1 stick of softened margarine together.
  3. Add the dry cake mix, nuts, and coconut (if using). Mix well with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a thick dough forms.
  4. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

For the Top Layer

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 stick of softened margarine with an electric mixer until smooth.
  2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour this mixture over the base layer in the pan and spread it evenly.
  4. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges will be golden and the center should be set but still a bit gooey.
  5. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Note

The original recipe card suggests a baking time of 1 to 1.5 hours, which is likely too long and would result in a dry bar. A more standard time of 40-50 minutes is recommended for a classic gooey texture.