Step 3: Make the Gooey Layer

1. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in 2 eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until creamy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
   • The filling should be thick, silky, and pourable.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in an even layer.

Step 4: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes.

• The edges should be lightly golden brown.
• The center will still jiggle slightly—that’s what makes it ooey and gooey!
• Do not overbake, or they lose their signature texture.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

• Cooling helps the filling set so you get clean, beautiful squares.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar on top if you’d like an elegant finishing touch.

💡 Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars

• Soft cream cheese is essential to avoid lumps.
• Want EXTRA gooey? Reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.
• Want firmer bars? Chill them for 1–2 hours before cutting.
• Yellow cake mix is traditional, but you can use spice cake, lemon cake, or chocolate cake for fun twists.

🍫 Variations to Try

1. Chocolate Chip Ooey Gooey Bars

Stir 1 cup chocolate chips into the filling before baking.

2. Lemon Ooey Gooey Bars

Use lemon cake mix + add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.

3. Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Bars

Add 1 cup pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the filling.

4. Nutty Crunch Bars

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Bars are the kind of dessert that disappears instantly at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings. They require simple ingredients, almost zero baking skill, and deliver maximum flavor and texture.
Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

If you want, I can help you with:
✅ A printable recipe card
✅ A gluten-free version
✅ A version without cake mix
Just let me know!