Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars Recipe: A Delightful Treat

There’s something irresistible about a dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and a buttery cake base. These Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars are just that – a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat with layers of texture and flavor. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home, this dessert is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delectable bars.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars

For the Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 large egg

1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)

For the Filling:

1 package cream cheese (8 oz), at room temperature
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 box powdered sugar (16 oz)
1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)

1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
Grease the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish or baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars once baked.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Combine Cake Mix, Egg, and Butter
In a mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, and melted butter. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. The consistency should be similar to a soft dough, like loose Play-Doh.
Press Dough into the Baking Dish
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly across the bottom. This will create a firm base for the gooey filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling

Beat Cream Cheese
In the same bowl (no need to wash it), beat the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 1-2 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the two eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat until fully combined. This adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar
With the mixer on a low setting, slowly add the powdered sugar. Gradually increase the speed to ensure the sugar is well blended without creating a cloud of sugar in your kitchen.
Mix in Melted Butter
Pour in the melted butter and continue mixing until you have a smooth, creamy filling. The butter adds a luscious richness to the filling.
Add Chocolate Chips
Finally, stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread Filling Over Crust
Pour the cream cheese and chocolate chip mixture over the crust layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface.
Bake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The bars should have a slightly golden top but still appear a bit jiggly in the center.
Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the bars to set fully, making them easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Cut these gooey bars into squares once cooled. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve them as a dessert, a treat for family gatherings, or just a snack when you’re craving something sweet.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother filling without lumps.
Adjust Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, feel free to add extra chips, or try mixing in milk or dark chocolate chips for a twist.
Don’t Overbake: These bars are meant to be gooey, so they should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For neater slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up, making it easier to achieve clean edges.

FAQs

Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix provides a neutral, sweet base, you can experiment with chocolate or vanilla cake mix for different flavors. Each will give a unique twist to the dessert.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for 2 days, but you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just allow them to reach room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled.

Can I Freeze Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Once cooled and cut, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to eat.

Can I Use Unsalted Butter Instead of Salted?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor. If you choose to use unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to both the crust and the filling to maintain a balanced taste.

Why is My Filling Too Runny?

If your filling appears too runny, it may be due to overmixing the ingredients or using cold cream cheese. Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature and mix them just until combined.

What’s the Best Way to Cut Gooey Bars?

For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars briefly before slicing can also help create neat squares without the filling sticking to the knife.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that’s rich, gooey, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just indulging in a treat, these Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars are sure to be a hit.