Ooey Gooey Bars (A Southern Classic You’ll Love)

First, let me just say—thank you for being here! I always feel such joy when I get to share recipes that have been in my family for years. And this one? It’s pure nostalgia on a plate. Ooey Gooey Bars have been passed around under a dozen different names (Chess Squares, Butter Cake Bars, Gooey Cake—you name it!), but no matter what you call them, one thing is certain: they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I grew up seeing these bars appear at potlucks, Sunday suppers, and especially around the holidays. And now, I’m passing the tradition along to you. Sweet, creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of chewy—these bars are always a crowd favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Ooey Gooey Bars

• Ridiculously easy – You only need a handful of ingredients, and they’re ones you probably already have at home.

• Family-friendly – My kids love making these on their own, which means less work for me and plenty of fun for them.

• Perfect for sharing – Great for potlucks, bake sales, parties, or just a cozy family dessert night.

• Classic comfort – That cream cheese and powdered sugar topping creates the dreamiest, gooey bite!

What Do They Taste Like?

Think of a soft, buttery cake base with a rich, cream-cheese custard-like layer on top. The edges are just a little crisp, but the middle stays soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Sweet but not too sweet, rich but not heavy—basically, the perfect dessert balance.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Only 7 ingredients (most are pantry staples!)

• No complicated steps—anyone can bake these.

• Ready in about 30 minutes.

• A classic Southern recipe with endless variations.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)

• 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, melted

• 1 egg

For the Gooey Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 16 oz powdered sugar

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking pan (greased)

• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)

• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk

• Spatula

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Flavor twist: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the filling.

• Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow.

• Holiday spin: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.

• Nutty addition: Top with pecans or walnuts before baking.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars

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