Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is sensational, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe. Trust me, these bars blend the ease of a box cake mix with the luscious creaminess of cream cheese, delivering a rich treat that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want something sweet without all the fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to pull these off with confidence and maybe even share a few tricks I learned the hard way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Ease: Uses one box cake mix so you can whip this up in no time.
- Perfect Balance: Cream cheese adds a dreamy tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Show-Stopping Bars: Makes a large batch that’s easy to slice and serve for gatherings or meal preps.
- Mistake-Proof: Simple instructions with tips to avoid common baking bumps.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays an important part in making these bars irresistibly soft, creamy, and rich. I recommend grabbing quality cream cheese and fresh eggs for the best texture — and the cake mix makes this dessert ridiculously easy to pull together.
- Cream Cheese: The star that brings creaminess; make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and binds the cake mix; melting it ensures a tender crumb.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The quick base that makes this a breeze; choose your favorite brand!
- Eggs: Divided use keeps the layers distinct while adding moisture and structure.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese topping perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with warm, familiar notes.
- Almond Extract: Just a touch adds a subtle, nutty depth that makes these bars special.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe? You can totally make it your own. Whether you want to jazz up the flavor, make it dietary-friendly, or even add a fun twist, these bars are like a blank canvas ready for your creativity.
- Variation: I love adding fresh berries on top before baking or swirling in some raspberry jam for a fruity surprise—it’s my go-to to impress guests.
- Dietary Modification: You can try sugar-free cake mix and powdered sugar alternatives, but watch the baking time closely.
- Seasonal Flair: During fall, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in the batter adds cozy vibes.
- Ease It Up: For a no-fuss version, you can skip the almond extract if you don’t have it on hand—it still tastes amazing!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Softened Cream Cheese Like a Pro
Always start by letting the cream cheese come to room temperature—it mixes more easily and helps your topping stay smooth without lumps. If you’re in a hurry, pop it into the microwave in 15-second bursts, checking after each, until it’s super soft but not melted.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan with Care
Line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. This little trick makes removing the baked bars a breeze, and you won’t have to wrestle with the pan when cutting.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Base
Melt the butter gently—either in the microwave or stovetop—and let it cool just a bit. Then, add your cake mix and 2 eggs, beating until smooth. Don’t skip the mixing step or you’ll get clumps! The batter should be thick but spreadable. Spread evenly in your prepared pan.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
Using the same bowl (easy clean-up!), add your softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and extracts. Beat on medium-low until it’s silky smooth—scrape down the bowl sides to avoid any stubborn clumps. Then pour this heavenly layer right over the cake batter and even it out gently.
Step 5: Bake and Cool with Patience
Bake at 350°F for about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges for a lovely golden brown color. Don’t worry if the center still jiggles slightly when you pull it from the oven; these bars finish baking as they cool. I can’t stress enough how important it is to cool the bars on a wire rack for at least 2 hours — rushing this step can make cutting messy and your bars squishier than you’d want.
Step 6: Slice and Serve with a Smile
Run a knife along the parchment edges, then carefully lift the entire slab out. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 24 bars. If you want to be extra fancy, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar just before serving for that snowy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Softening the Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this! It makes the topping silky and lump-free every time.
- Butter Temperature Matters: Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t cook the eggs prematurely.
- Don’t Overbake: Bars will seem slightly wobbly when done—that’s exactly how they should be for perfect moistness.
- Cooling Patience: Refrain from cutting until completely cooled to avoid crumbling and messy slices.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it classic with a simple dusting of powdered sugar to highlight the creamy top. But I’ve also sprinkled chopped toasted pecans or slivered almonds for crunch, and sometimes fresh raspberries for a pop of tartness and color—both are gorgeous and delicious!
Side Dishes
This recipe really shines as dessert, but if you want to make a full spread, try pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. A cup of strong black coffee or lightly brewed tea balances the rich sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange these bars on a tiered dessert stand, with pretty parchment paper doilies underneath. Adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves around the edges jazzes them up for parties or potlucks. You could even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an elegant finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep these bars covered tightly in the fridge. Using an airtight container preserves the moistness and flavor for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring them to room temp before serving — they taste best that way, I promise.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them sit out a bit before enjoying.
Reheating
I avoid microwaving too long to keep the texture intact. Instead, I warm bars briefly in a low oven (about 300°F for 5-7 minutes). It refreshes them without making the cream cheese topping runny or greasy.
FAQs
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Can I use any flavor cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow cake mix is classic here, but you can try white, butter, or even spice cake mix to give your bars a fun twist. Just keep in mind that stronger flavors (like spice) will change the taste profile.
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What if my cream cheese topping cracks after baking?
Cracking can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if you overbake the bars. Stick to 350°F and check at 35 minutes to prevent this. Also, cooling the bars gradually on a wire rack helps keep the topping smooth.
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Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can try swapping in a gluten-free yellow cake mix, just check the brand’s recommendations on baking times and adjust as needed. The texture might vary a little but the delicious cream cheese topping remains a winner.
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Why does the center of the bars jiggle when done?
The center jiggle is expected because the bars are still moist and creamy inside. They continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if it seems a bit wobbly right out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes — quick, comforting, crowd-pleasing, and delicious. I genuinely believe once you try this recipe, it’ll too become your go-to for effortless homemade dessert magic. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking — I can’t wait for you to enjoy these bars as much as I do!
PrintCream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
These rich and creamy cheesecake bars combine the sweetness of a yellow cake base with a smooth cream cheese topping, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The bars are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and cut into 24 delicious servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Cheesecake Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and set it out until softened. Alternatively, microwave it in 15-second bursts for 30 to 60 seconds until very soft.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides by at least 1 inch for easy removal.
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, approximately 45 seconds. You may also melt it on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium heat, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cake Base: Add the yellow cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth, about one minute. Spread this thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Make Cheesecake Topping: In the same bowl, add the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, scraping the sides as needed. Pour evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The center may still be slightly jiggly, which is normal as it will continue to set while cooling.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely for 2 hours before cutting for the best texture.
- Serve: Run a knife around the edges of the cooled bars, lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper edges, and place on a cutting board. Cut into 24 pieces. Optionally, sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature or microwaving ensures a smooth topping without lumps.
- Using parchment paper that hangs over the edges simplifies removing the bars from the pan.
- The slight jiggle in the center after baking is normal; the bars will firm up as they cool.
- For firmer bars, chill in the refrigerator for an additional hour after cooling.
- You can substitute almond extract with extra vanilla extract if preferred.
- Ensure the butter has cooled a little before mixing with eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
