Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

Introduction

These Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are rich, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. With a soft, gooey center and a slightly crisp top, they make the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

- 400g yellow cake mix
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 500g powdered sugar

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bars

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 22x33 cm baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a dough forms and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown but the center is slightly gooey.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Mix until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat 250g of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining two large eggs and 5ml of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 500g of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust you prepared in Step 2. Spread it evenly across the crust.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown but the center remains slightly gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious goodness!

Notes

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving these bars warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Variations

You can customize these bars by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the cream cheese filling for additional flavor.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store the Ooey Gooey Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer

To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Fruit

Pair the butter bars with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.

Ice Cream

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

Coffee or Tea

Enjoy these bars alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Calories

Each Ooey Gooey Butter Bar contains approximately 320 calories.

Fat

They have about 17 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat.

Carbohydrates

Each bar has around 43 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber.

Sugar

There are roughly 35 grams of sugar per bar.

Protein

Each serving provides about 4 grams of protein.

Ingredient Substitutions

Yellow Cake Mix

You can use any flavor cake mix like vanilla or lemon for a twist on flavor.

Unsalted Butter

Instead of unsalted butter, you can use margarine for a dairy-free option.

Cream Cheese

For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.

Powdered Sugar

If you need a lower sugar alternative, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like powdered sugar.

Cook techniques

Mixing the Dough

When combining the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg, ensure you mix until the dough comes together without overmixing. This helps retain a tender bottom crust.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding the eggs and vanilla. This prevents lumps in your filling and ensures a creamy texture.

Baking the Bars

Bake until the top is golden brown, but the center remains slightly gooey. Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a drier texture.

Cooling the Bars

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting. This ensures clean edges and helps the bars set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They can be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, but it will alter the taste of the bars.

How should I store the Ooey Gooey Butter Bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about a week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

What can I do if the center is too gooey?

If the center is too gooey after baking, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly on your next attempt, as ovens vary.

How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

These Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their unique combination of a soft, gooey center and a slightly crisp top makes them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Simple to prepare and utterly delicious, these bars are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Chocolate Chip Butter Bars

Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a rich and decadent twist on the classic bars.

Lemon Zest Butter Bars

Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness.

Pecan Pie Butter Bars

Mix in chopped pecans and a splash of maple syrup to create a delicious pecan pie-inspired dessert.

Caramel Swirl Butter Bars

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cream cheese mixture before baking for a luxurious and indulgent touch.

Fruit-topped Butter Bars

Top the bars with fresh berries or sliced peaches after baking for a vibrant burst of flavor and color.

Peanut Butter Butter Bars

Fold in peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture to create a nutty and creamy version that peanut butter lovers will adore.