Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with Cake Batter Gooey Bars. These bars combine the rich, buttery flavor of cake batter with a soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, they are a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a delightful combination of soft, chewy, and gooey textures, all infused with the nostalgic flavor of cake batter. Unlike traditional cookies or brownies, Cake Batter Gooey Bars are easier to make, cut into perfect squares, and are ideal for sharing. They’re perfect for birthdays, parties, or a simple indulgent snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese across the batter and lightly swirl with a knife.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.
9. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 16 bars
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate cake batter version.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop peanut butter spoonfuls along with the cream cheese for a delicious swirl effect.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What type of pan should I use for these bars?

A 9×13-inch baking pan works best for even cooking and easy slicing.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon to avoid over-salting.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the cream cheese swirl?

Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese across the batter and gently swirl with a knife without overmixing.

Can I add more sprinkles?

Yes, you can add up to 1 cup of sprinkles, but too many may affect the structure slightly.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and the center should be slightly soft but not liquid.

Can I cut the bars while warm?

It’s better to cool completely to prevent crumbling and ensure clean squares.

Can I make mini bars instead of large squares?

Yes, you can cut the baked bars into smaller portions for bite-sized treats.

Can I add a frosting or glaze on top?

Yes, a simple vanilla glaze or drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the flavor without overpowering the cake batter taste.

Conclusion

Cake Batter Gooey Bars are a fun, nostalgic, and utterly delicious dessert that combines the best elements of cake and bars in one treat. With their soft, gooey texture, creamy swirls, and festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for celebrations or sweet cravings.

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