Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars

I thought everyone had eaten or at least heard of these, but after taking them to work and the fire station I realized that these are a well kept secret.  Paula Deen makes these and there are many variations.  I used the recipe on her website for the original bars, but don't limit yourself.  I think I'll try the lemon flavor next.


INGREDIENTS: 

1 18 1/4-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer.  Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together. 

Add the powdered sugar slowly and mix well.  Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.  Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.  Allow to cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.