If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s bursting with playful color, rich creaminess, and a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, then you have to try this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe. It’s one of those feel-good treats that combines the simplicity of a cake mix with the magic of a luscious cream cheese layer, all topped with cheerful sprinkles that add the perfect pop of fun. Whether it’s for a birthday, a potluck, or just a sweet escape after dinner, these bars deliver that nostalgic, homemade comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe right starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays a vital role — from the buttery crust that holds everything up to the creamy middle layer and the colorful finishing touch that makes these bars irresistible.
- White cake mix: Provides the base flavor and structure for the crust, bringing a light sweetness and soft texture.
- Eggs (3, divided): Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness; separating them helps create distinct layers.
- Butter (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a golden crispness to the crust, making it perfectly flaky.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Creates that iconic gooey, creamy layer that we all love, adding tang and smoothness.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling to silky perfection.
- Sprinkles of your choice: Bring a festive finish that’s both colorful and texturally fun.
- Food coloring (optional): Lets you customize the crust color for an extra wow factor.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch cake pan to ensure your bars slide out smoothly once baked. This step sets the foundation for perfectly baked Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Crust Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix powder with one egg and the softened butter. If you want to add a splash of fun to the crust’s color, mix in a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Stir everything until it forms a thick dough. This crust will be your base, giving a buttery and slightly chewy bed for the gooey layer to sit on.
Step 3: Press the Dough Into the Pan
Evenly press this dough mixture into your greased pan. Use your hands or the back of a spatula to flatten it out and create an even layer—it doesn’t have to be perfect, but a consistent thickness helps with even baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
Next, whisk together the cream cheese, two eggs, vanilla extract, and the powdered sugar until silky smooth. This heavenly mixture will be the heart of your bars, offering that signature ooey gooey texture and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.
Step 5: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture Over the Crust
Carefully dollop the cream cheese filling onto the crust, then use a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface. The contrast between the sturdy crust and the soft creamy topping is what makes these bars stand out.
Step 6: Add Sprinkles
Sprinkle your favorite colorful sprinkles generously over the top. Whether you choose bright rainbow sprinkles, pastel nonpareils, or themed shapes, this step not only adds joy and personality but also a little bit of crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan into the oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will be enough to make you giddy, and soon you’ll have delicious Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles on top are already a festive touch, you can add more flair by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also beautifully complement the creamy texture of these bars.
Side Dishes
These bars are sweet and substantial enough to be the star, but pairing them with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote can add a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee or tea is the perfect companion to balance the richness and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into neat squares and arrange them on a colorful platter for parties or pack them individually in little clear boxes with ribbons for gifts or lunchbox surprises. You could also try layering them in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fruit for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them covered in the refrigerator where they will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or save extras, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked gooey goodness, warm your bars in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This helps soften the cream cheese layer and brings back that comforting cozy texture.
FAQs
Can I use another flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe is crafted with white cake mix for a classic taste and light color, feel free to experiment with yellow or even funfetti cake mix for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor and sweetness level may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make these bars dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and swap butter for margarine or coconut oil. Be sure to choose a dairy-free cake mix as well to keep your bars completely free of dairy. The texture will still be deliciously gooey!
Why add food coloring to the crust?
Food coloring is totally optional but it’s a fun way to make your bars extra festive, especially for themed celebrations like birthdays or holidays. It does not affect the taste but adds a vibrant pop that makes the bars visually exciting.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Just remember to check the labels, especially for sprinkles and powdered sugar, as cross-contamination can sometimes occur.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The bars should have slightly golden edges and the cream cheese layer should look set without being dry or cracked. The center might still feel a little soft but should not be liquidy. A gentle shake of the pan can help gauge doneness—if it jiggles only slightly, it’s perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about making and sharing this Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weekday dessert but special enough to brighten celebrations and bring smiles to anyone who tries it. I promise, once you whip up a batch, these bars will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation—so go ahead and treat yourself to that colorful, creamy, and utterly delightful experience.
Print
Ooey Gooey Cake Mix Bars with Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey Gooey Bars feature a soft and buttery cake mix crust topped with a luscious cream cheese layer sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla. Finished with colorful sprinkles, they make a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of rich, gooey texture and vibrant appearance.
Ingredients
Crust Layer
- 1 white cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Food coloring (optional)
Gooey Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare Crust Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1 egg, melted butter, and food coloring if using, until a dough forms.
- Press Dough: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and press the dough evenly into the bottom to form the crust layer.
- Mix Gooey Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Gooey Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust layer in the pan.
- Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle your choice of colorful sprinkles evenly over the top of the gooey layer for decoration and added texture.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 32 to 35 minutes until the top is set and slight golden edges appear.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- You can customize the sprinkles and food coloring to match seasonal themes or occasions.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and maintain gooey texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
