Rich Butter Cake Bars
Total Time: 55 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie | Servings: 36-48 bars
Description:
Rich Butter Cake Bars are a sweet, gooey treat that combines the best elements of a traditional gooey butter cake, but in a convenient bar form. This version uses slightly less powdered sugar than the classic gooey butter cake, making it easier to cut into bars without sacrificing the rich, creamy flavor. The buttery, soft base pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese topping, making these bars an irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. They’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or a delightful addition to your next gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Cream Cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Powdered Sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 139.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 6.8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 31.6 mg |
| Sodium Content | 137.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 18.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 12.8 g |
| Protein Content | 1.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, cut the butter into the cake mix using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the buttery, crumbly base that forms the foundation of your bars. -
Add Egg:
Add 1 egg to the mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The dough will become a bit thicker, making it easy to press into the pan. -
Press Into the Pan:
Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. Evenly press the cake mix dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out to all edges of the pan. -
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures that your filling will be creamy and light. -
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until the batter is completely smooth and the eggs are well blended. -
Spread Over the Base:
Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared cake crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure the entire surface is covered. This forms the gooey, rich topping that will bake perfectly into the crust. -
Bake the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for another 10 minutes. The bars should be set but still slightly soft in the center. -
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, dust the surface generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. -
Cut and Serve:
Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles. This recipe yields approximately 36-48 bars, depending on the size of your cuts. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor with every bite!
Tips for Success:
- Ensure that your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the powdered sugar. This will help achieve a smoother, creamier filling.
- If you prefer a thicker, more indulgent base, you can increase the amount of butter and cake mix slightly.
- These bars are best served at room temperature. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These Rich Butter Cake Bars offer a delightful treat that’s both decadent and easy to make. Their creamy, soft texture paired with the slight sweetness from the powdered sugar makes them the perfect addition to any dessert table or a quick snack for family gatherings. With minimal prep time and a deliciously comforting flavor, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
