Introduction
This delightful dessert combines the richness of a buttery yellow cake crust with a sweet, creamy, and gooey topping.
With a few simple ingredients, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any occasion, offering a balance of texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a holiday, or just a cozy treat, it’s a recipe that is both easy to make and irresistible.
Ingredients
For the crust:
-1 box of yellow cake mix (dry)
-8 tablespoons of melted butter
-1 egg
For the gooey layer:
-8 oz of softened cream cheese
-2 beaten eggs
-16 oz of powdered sugar
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature to bake the crust and the gooey layer.
In a medium bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir the ingredients together until they form a dough-like consistency.
This mixture will be the base of your crust, and it should be slightly thick, but easy to press into the baking dish.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a crust.
The crust should cover the entire bottom of the dish, providing a solid base for the gooey layer.
Next, in a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, beaten eggs, and powdered sugar.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the gooey layer that will sit on top of the crust.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, ensuring it covers the entire crust.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly set. You want the center to be a little jiggly, but not overly runny.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. The dessert will set as it cools.
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
How to Make
Making this dessert is simple and requires just a few steps. First, prepare the crust by mixing the cake mix, melted butter, and egg.
It’s important to press the crust mixture evenly into the baking dish to create a firm foundation. Then, prepare.
the gooey layer by mixing the softened cream cheese, beaten eggs, and powdered sugar. This step is crucial because it gives the dessert its smooth, creamy texture.
The key to the perfect texture is in the baking time. Don’t overbake it, as the center should remain a bit soft and gooey.
The golden color on top indicates it’s done, but the slight wobble in the center shows that the filling is perfectly set.
Once it cools, slice the dessert into squares. The texture should be firm yet gooey in the middle, with the crust.
holding its shape beneath. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
This dessert is incredibly versatile. You can top it with whipped cream or fresh berries for added flavor, or even drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over it for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the gooey layer or adding a handful of chocolate chips to the crust for a more decadent dessert.
Lastly, make sure to cut the squares into small portions as this dessert is quite rich, so a little goes a long way. It’s best enjoyed as a treat after a meal or shared with friends and family.
Tips
Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to prevent lumps in the gooey layer. You can leave it out for a while before you start, or microwave it in short bursts to soften it quickly.
For a more pronounced flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
This will complement the sweetness of the powdered sugar and give the dessert a unique twist.
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use a slightly smaller or larger baking dish, but be aware that baking times may vary.
A smaller dish might require slightly less time, while a larger one may take a bit longer.
For a fun variation, try adding mix-ins to the gooey layer. Chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of fruit preserves can elevate the dessert and create new flavor combinations.
Make sure not to skip the cooling step. The dessert will firm up as it cools, and refrigerating it for a few hours gives the flavors a chance to meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the crust and gooey layer ahead of time and refrigerate them separately before baking.
Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before assembling and baking.
For a festive twist, consider topping your dessert with seasonal toppings like crushed candy canes during.
the holidays, or fresh berries in the summer. These small additions can make the dish feel new and exciting.
Conclusion
This dessert is a simple, yet incredibly satisfying treat that requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
The combination of buttery crust and creamy, sweet gooey filling is sure to be a favorite among anyone who tries it.
Whether served as an after-dinner indulgence or a special treat at gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for those who crave something sweet, comforting, and delicious.