Decadent Cream Cheese Butter Bars
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Decadent Cream Cheese Butter Bars, a nostalgic treat that has been cherished by families for generations. These bars offer a perfect balance of a soft yellow cake base and a creamy, gooey topping that creates a luscious dessert experience with every bite. They're perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or just a sweet craving at home. This recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can impress their friends and family with these irresistible bars. Make sure to follow each step carefully for a guaranteed delicious outcome, and watch as these bars disappear in no time. Enjoy them while warm or chilled, and get ready to savor a slice of heaven!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounces)
Melted butter
1/2 (cup)
Egg
1 (beaten for crust)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounces, softened)
Powdered sugar
1 (pound)
Eggs
2 (beaten for filling)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cream Cheese Butter Bars?
They are a rich and creamy dessert featuring a soft yellow cake base and a gooey cream cheese topping.
What size cake mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter for the crust base.
How many eggs are needed in total?
A total of three eggs are used: one for the crust and two for the filling.
What is the amount of cream cheese needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese.
How much powdered sugar is used in the filling?
One pound of powdered sugar is mixed into the cream cheese filling.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, while yellow cake is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate or lemon cake mixes.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is essential to ensure a smooth, lump-free topping.
Are these bars suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely, they are a crowd favorite and perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.
How should I store leftover butter bars?
Because they contain cream cheese, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these cream cheese bars?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Is this recipe easy for beginner bakers?
Yes, it is a straightforward 6-ingredient recipe that is very beginner-friendly.
Can I serve these bars warm?
They can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is designed to be creamy, luscious, and slightly gooey.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the richest flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
How do I prepare the eggs for the crust?
The one egg used for the crust should be lightly beaten before being mixed with the cake mix and butter.
How do I prepare the eggs for the filling?
The two eggs for the filling should be beaten before being combined with the cream cheese and sugar.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the crust or as a topping.
Is this recipe similar to gooey butter cake?
Yes, these bars are very similar to the classic St. Louis-style gooey butter cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the standard yellow cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Why is my cream cheese filling lumpy?
This usually happens if the cream cheese was too cold; ensure it is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.
How long do the bars stay fresh in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the bars may not be as rich or set as firmly as they do with full-fat cream cheese.
What makes these bars 'decadent'?
The combination of a buttery crust, a full pound of powdered sugar, and rich cream cheese creates a very indulgent treat.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling can enhance the flavor.
Do I need an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is highly recommended for the cream cheese filling to achieve the desired smooth consistency.
Should the butter be hot when added to the cake mix?
It should be melted, but letting it cool slightly before adding the egg is a good practice to prevent scrambling.
Are these bars good for holiday gifting?
Yes, they are sturdy enough to be boxed and make a wonderful homemade gift for the holidays.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
The recipe specifically requires powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar) to create the smooth, gooey topping.
What is the most important tip for this recipe?
Follow each step carefully and ensure your cream cheese is softened for a guaranteed delicious outcome.