Introduction to Gooey Butter Bars
Gooey Butter Bars, a delightful dessert, originated from the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. They combine simple ingredients to create a rich flavor and irresistible texture, making them a quintessential example of American comfort food. These bars feature a dense, cake-like base topped with a creamy, slightly caramelized layer, and have become a favorite in households and local bakeries alike.
Essential Ingredients
The Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cake mix: This forms the foundation of the bars, adding structure and sweetness.
- Cream cheese: This ingredient deepens the flavor and enhances the creaminess, as explained on Wikipedia.
- Eggs: These bind the mixture and ensure the texture is perfect.
- Butter: This enhances the flavor, with its role in baking further detailed on Wikipedia.
- Powdered sugar: This contributes to the sweetness and the gooey texture of the top layer.
These components are crucial for achieving the unique texture and taste of the bars. For more creative cake mix recipes, check out Pinterest’s creative cake mix recipes.
Variations of the Recipe
Experimenting with Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars can bring new flavors to this classic dessert. Consider these twists:
- Chocolate cake mix: Replace the yellow mix for a chocolatey version.
- Spice cake mix: Adds a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for fall.
- Seasonal additions like pumpkin puree or apple slices can transform the recipe into a festive treat. For more inspiration, explore Pinterest’s seasonal desserts.
These variations keep the dessert exciting and adaptable to different tastes and seasons, allowing everyone to enjoy a personalized version of this beloved treat.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars:
- Prepare the base: Mix the cake mix, one egg, and melted butter until well combined, and then press this mixture into a lined baking pan.
- Create the topping: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar, and mix until creamy.
- Combine and bake: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The edges should turn golden, while the center remains slightly jiggly.
For those interested in baking techniques, Wikipedia offers a comprehensive guide on baking.
How to Serve and Store
Once you have baked your Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars to perfection, follow these tips for serving and storage:
- Serving: Cut into squares and serve either warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving.
- Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored properly. For more on food preservation, visit Wikipedia’s food preservation page.
Proper presentation enhances the overall experience of enjoying these decadent bars. For creative ideas on presenting your desserts, browse Pinterest’s food presentation techniques.
Nutritional Information
Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars are undoubtedly indulgent, with each serving containing approximately:
- 300 calories
- 15 grams of fat
- 40 grams of carbohydrates
- 4 grams of protein
While these bars are rich in flavor, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. For those with specific dietary preferences, adjustments can be made to suit low-sugar or gluten-free diets. More information on dietary considerations is available on Wikipedia’s dietary preferences page.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix? A: Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix to give the bars a new twist.
Q: How do I know when the bars are perfectly cooked? A: The edges should be set and lightly browned, while the center will remain slightly gooey.
Q: Can these bars be frozen for later use? A: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
Gooey Butter Bars are a beloved dessert from St. Louis, Missouri, known for their rich, creamy texture and irresistible sweetness. They consist of a dense cake-like base topped with a creamy, caramelized layer.
Ingredients
- Cake Mix: Forms the base, adding structure and sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Enhances creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and perfect the texture.
- Butter: Adds flavor and moisture.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the gooey texture.
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Combine cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Press into a lined baking pan.
- Create the Topping: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Bake: Layer the cream cheese mixture over the base. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
Notes
- Variations: Try using chocolate or spice cake mix, or adding seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or apple for a festive twist.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 per serving
