Ooey Gooey Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Moderate (requires mixing and baking)

Description

These Ooey Gooey Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence! With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, creamy filling, these bars are irresistibly sweet, chewy, and decadent. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple treat at home, they’re sure to disappear fast!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 (8 oz / 226g) package cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips

• ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

• ½ cup (85g) shredded coconut

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined.

2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.

2. If using chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut, sprinkle them on top.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

• Let the bars cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour).

• For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.

• Cut into 16 squares and serve!

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Storage & Serving Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

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Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Final Thoughts

These Ooey Gooey Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with their perfect balance of buttery crust and luscious filling. Whether you enjoy them plain or with extra mix-ins, they’re the ultimate sweet treat!