Description
Dreamy, decadent, and surprisingly simple, these Gooey Butter Bars are the ultimate sweet treat that you didn’t know you needed. A buttery base topped with a creamy, vanilla-kissed layer creates an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s simple to make these at home and are incredibly easy to whip up anytime. For another easy treat, consider these Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (unbleached flour)
- Cold Butter: 1/2 cup, or 1 stick (unsalted, cubed)
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened, full-fat)
- Butter: 1/2 cup, or 1 stick (melted)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups
- Almond Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The dough will be crumbly.
- Prepare Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: While the crust is baking, in a separate large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter until smooth.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in 2 large eggs, 3 cups powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until well combined.
- Pour Topping: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the topping is set and lightly golden. The center should still appear slightly gooey.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the bars generously with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Substitution: If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract, but the almond extract really enhances the flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: While best served chilled or at room temperature, you can microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a warm bar.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Gooey Butter Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Array