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Introduction
If you're looking for a dessert that's both rich and comforting, look no further than Ooey Gooey Bars. These luscious bars combine a buttery crust with a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special event, or just craving a delightful sweet treat, Ooey Gooey Bars are guaranteed to impress. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the creamy filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins (choose any or mix):
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the crust and topping: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until it starts to set but not brown.
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
Optional: Fold in your choice of add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
Cool completely before slicing into squares to allow the bars to firm up and achieve that perfect ooey gooey texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these bars freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variant
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