How to Make the Cake Mix Crust
Stir the dry yellow cake mix with melted butter and one egg to make a thick dough. Press it into an even layer in a greased 9-by-13-inch pan, working it into the corners so every bar has a base.
How to Tell When the Bars Are Done
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center. Check that the center of the cream cheese layer reaches 160°F (71°C) with a food thermometer. The topping will firm up as it cools.
How to Cut Neat Squares
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. For 24 pieces, cut the slab into six rows by four and wipe the knife between cuts to keep the cream cheese layer tidy.
Chewy Gooey Bars Recipe Card
Yellow cake mix bars with a buttery crust and a soft cream cheese topping.
- Prep time — About 15 minutes
- Bake time — 25 to 30 minutes
- Pan size — 9 by 13 inches
- Suggested yield — 24 bars
Ingredients for the Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix, dry and unprepared
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, melted
- 1 egg
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
- Stir together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 beaten eggs and mix for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until evenly combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it to the edges.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center reaches 160°F (71°C). The center may still jiggle slightly.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.