Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe
There are some recipes that feel like a hug baked into every bite—and these Ooey Gooey Bars are one of them. Before I dive in, I just want to pause and say thank you for being here. I know your kitchen time is precious, and it makes me so happy that you trust me to share a sweet little treat with you.
Now, let me introduce you to these bars: buttery, chewy, soft in the middle with just the right golden edges. They come together with a simple cake mix base and just a few pantry staples. And yet—wow. They taste like you spent all afternoon fussing in the kitchen. (Spoiler: you didn’t!)
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Why You’ll Love These Ooey Gooey Bars
Ridiculously simple – just one bowl and a few ingredients.
Customizable – swap in different cake mixes or add fun toppings.
Crowd-pleasing – the chewy, soft, slightly caramelized texture is impossible to resist.
Anything but boring!! – despite their simplicity, they deliver major wow-factor flavor.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine a cookie and a brownie had the sweetest baby. The bottom is buttery and dense like a blondie, while the top stays soft, sweet, and a little sticky—hence “ooey gooey.” The smell when this is in the oven? Incredible!! You’ll want to hover by the oven door.
Benefits of This Recipe
Great for last-minute gatherings.
Travels well for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday trays.
Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly.
Stores beautifully (if you don’t eat them all first!).
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix (dry, not prepared)
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
1 large egg
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped nuts
Caramel or chocolate drizzle (after baking)
Tools You’ll Need
8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
Mixing bowl & spatula
Parchment paper (optional, but makes cleanup dreamy!)
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Press into Pan
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Press it down with a spatula or your hands.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares.
What to Serve With Ooey Gooey Bars
A scoop of vanilla ice cream (heavenly!!)
Fresh berries for a lighter touch
Coffee or a tall glass of cold milk
Tips for Success
Don’t overbake—gooey is the goal!
Let them rest before slicing to avoid a sticky mess.
Use parchment for easy lift-and-cut squares.
Storage Instructions
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week (flavor deepens).
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Chocolate, red velvet, or spice cake mixes are amazing swaps.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
No, but refrigeration keeps them fresh longer.
Why are mine too dry?
They were probably overbaked. Pull them out while they still look slightly soft in the middle.
Conclusion
These Ooey Gooey Bars are the definition of easy comfort baking: minimal effort, maximum joy. Whether you keep them plain and classic or dress them up with chips and drizzles, they’ll disappear fast.