Time was tight and dessert options were short. I turned to an old, semi-homemade recipe for Gooey Butter Bars for a quick and easy treat.
Gooey Butter Bars
When the kids were wee ones, I had a few quick go-to recipes. The classic chocolate chip cookies and bars, brownies from a box (they preferred these to my homemade version. Sigh.) and these gooey butter bars. Made with a box of yellow cake mix, there was little measuring and a lot of sugar! The hubby, the fourth family member with a kiddie palate, loved these sugar laden gems, too. I must admit, I’d eat them, too, but I wasn’t a fan of the artificial flavor from the box mix.
A Few Tweaks
Eventually, I started using a butter cake mix instead of the yellow and found this version much more palatable. A slosh of vanilla was an additional flavor enhancer, not in the original recipe from one of my nurse colleagues. One December, way back when I was single, this same friend and I baked up a bunch of sweets for our oncology unit staff. I think they were shocked that either of us had any culinary skills. I was the gal eating a bag of popcorn for dinner on break. But I digress. This is not a gourmet recipe, but fits the bill when you need a quick recipe to feed a group. I bet that someone will beg for the recipe!
Gooey Butter Bars
This classic St. Louis treat has stood the test of time. Made with a cake mix, it's a super easy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter cake mix (you may substitute yellow cake mix if desired)
- 4 eggs, divided
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or 1 box), plus more to sprinkle over finished bars
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick foil or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix together the dry cake mix, melted butter and 2 of the eggs. Spread evenly and pat into the bottom of the prepared pan. Batter will be thick.
- With a hand mixer, beat together the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour mixture over the crust. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to serve. These WILL be gooey when you slice them.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 246kcal Calories from fat 77 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat 5g | 25% |
| Transfat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium 205mg | 9% |
| Carbohydrate 41g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Sugars 32g | |
| Protein 2g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
They look very inviting!
Looks like you’re channeling your inner Paula:@) Honestly they look great and I’d be noshing on a slice now with my morning coffee if it was in the kitchen!
They look so perfect for a romantic dessert!!!
Dear Lizzy, These butter bars look gourmet to me! They look wonderful for a cup of coffee. Have a great day. xoxox Catherine
I think I better use this recipe for my reward after my diet and then binge on the whole pan! <3 🙂
Love Gooey Butter bars, cake, anything. Not something we make all that often, though. You’ve put me in the mood with this recipe! Really nice — thanks.
It sounds like I’ve been missing out for years…I’ve not had these and they sound good.
Those look sinfully delicious!!! Must try! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Recipes like this are always great to have in the back pocket. And usually those are some of the best!
Liz these bars look seriously insanely delicious!! I am craving them now badly!
mmmmm gooey butter bars are the one recipe I would prob just give in and use cake mix for because…it seems like you’ve gotta, right? These look fantastic!
Such a pretty photo of your dessert!
Wow! This post is full of shockers, Liz… I cannot imagine you not turning out gourmet goodies. And I am so relieved that Ms. Liz also uses cake mix for delicious treats.
These bars look fabulous! Just the treat I need with my cup of coffee 🙂
I’ve made the ones from a box before and they were OK. No doubt, I will love these! Have you tried them with a chocolate cake recipe?
I love baking hacks like these. These bars look divine!