Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars: A Delightful Dessert for Any Occasion

When it comes to decadent desserts, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars hold a special place in many hearts. These sweet bars are the epitome of indulgence, boasting a buttery crust and a luscious cream cheese and butter-flavored topping that is hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is a must-try. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delightful bars, from preparation to presentation.

The Allure of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars originated in St. Louis, Missouri, and have since become a beloved treat nationwide. The name alone suggests the rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that awaits. The bars are characterized by their two-layer structure: a firm, buttery crust topped with a creamy, gooey layer that gives the dessert its signature texture and flavor. The contrast between the crisp crust and the soft topping makes each bite an adventure.

Ingredients Breakdown

To achieve the perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Crust

All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups / 312.5 g): The base of the crust, providing structure and substance.
Confectioners’ Sugar (¾ cup / 94 g): Adds sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Nutmeg (1 pinch): A subtle spice that adds depth to the crust.
Unsalted Butter (12 tablespoons, melted): Binds the dry ingredients and adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Topping

Cream Cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): The star ingredient that provides creaminess and tang.
Unsalted Butter (8 tablespoons, softened to room temperature): Adds richness and helps create the smooth texture.
Confectioners’ Sugar (4 cups / 500 g): Sweetens the topping and contributes to its smooth consistency.
Large Eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and stability to the topping.
Large Egg Yolks (2): Add extra richness and help thicken the topping.
Vanilla Extract (2 tablespoons): Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crust

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well blended.
Incorporate the Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Form the Crust: Transfer the crumbly mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Ensure an even layer to form the base of your bars.
Poke Holes: Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the crust. This helps prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before adding the topping.

Preparing the Topping

Cream the Cheese and Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature cream cheese and softened butter. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix until the topping is smooth and creamy.
Pour Over the Crust: Once the crust has cooled to room temperature, pour the cream cheese mixture over the top. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The center will firm up as the bars cool.
Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, place them in the refrigerator to chill for an additional 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Serving and Storing

After the bars have chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.

Serving Suggestions:

Plain and Simple: These bars are delicious on their own and can be served as is.
With a Dusting of Sugar: A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries to add a burst of freshness and color.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations and Tips

While the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars are hard to beat, you can customize them to suit your taste or the occasion:

Chocolate Variation: Add cocoa powder to the crust mixture or swirl melted chocolate into the topping before baking.
Nutty Twist: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for added crunch and flavor.
Lemon Lover’s Delight: Add lemon zest to the topping and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.

Baking Tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy topping.
Even Layering: Take care to spread the crust and topping evenly in the baking dish for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Monitoring Bake Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly.

Perfect Pairings

While Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a delight on their own, pairing them with complementary beverages and sides can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dessert spread:

Beverage Pairings:

Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of a freshly brewed coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy bars. Consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tea: A cup of hot tea, especially black tea with a hint of bergamot or a floral green tea, can balance the richness of the bars. For a refreshing option, serve iced tea with a slice of lemon.
Milk: Classic and comforting, a glass of cold milk is the perfect companion to these sweet bars, especially for younger dessert lovers.
Dessert Wine: For an adult twist, pair the bars with a dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a Sauternes. The sweetness of the wine complements the dessert without overpowering it.

Side Pairings:

Fresh Fruit: Serve the bars with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced peaches, or citrus segments. The natural acidity and sweetness of the fruit can provide a refreshing contrast.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream served alongside the bars can add a delightful creamy and cold element, making the dessert even more indulgent.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, possibly flavored with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon, can add an airy lightness to each bite.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Why is my crust too hard? If the crust turns out too hard, it may have been overbaked. Ensure you bake it just until it’s set and lightly golden. Also, make sure not to press the crust mixture too firmly into the pan.

Why is the topping runny? The topping should be jiggly but not liquidy when it comes out of the oven. If it’s too runny, it may need a bit more baking time. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve the right consistency when mixing.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the parchment paper? Using high-quality parchment paper and ensuring that it is properly placed in the baking dish with some overhang will help. Additionally, allowing the bars to cool and chill completely before cutting will prevent sticking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to enjoy Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars with a bit less guilt, consider these healthier tweaks:

Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the amount of confectioners’ sugar in both the crust and topping. You can often reduce sugar by up to 25% without significantly altering the taste or texture.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour in the crust with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Light Cream Cheese: Use light or reduced-fat cream cheese in the topping to lower the fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
Natural Sweeteners: Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in the topping. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars are a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Their rich, creamy texture and sweet, buttery flavor make them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit. By following the detailed steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect batch every time.

Embrace the joy of baking, share the sweetness with loved ones, and indulge in the irresistible delight of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars. Happy baking!

Recipe Card

Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print out or save for easy reference:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (94 g) confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch nutmeg
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups (500 g) confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
To a large bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Poke holes with a fork.
Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, eggs, yolks, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Pour topping over the cooled crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set but slightly jiggly.
Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before cutting and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars!