If you’ve never heard of Ooey Gooey Bars, prepare for your new obsession. These legendary treats are exactly what the name promises: a golden, cake-like base topped with a luscious, molten layer of cream cheese and butter that stays soft, chewy, and gloriously sticky—even days later.
Born in Southern bakeries and church potlucks, Ooey Gooey Bars (sometimes called “Gooey Butter Cake Bars”) are famously simple: no mixer, no fancy techniques, just five pantry staples stirred into two layers and baked until golden. They taste like a cross between a blondie, a butter cookie, and a cinnamon roll—rich, sweet, and deeply comforting.
And the best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup and maximum payoff.
Why These Bars Are a Dessert Legend
- 🧈 Two layers, one pan: tender cake bottom + velvety cream cheese top
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes—faster than delivery!
- 🥄 Only 5 core ingredients—plus vanilla and a pinch of salt
- 💸 Budget-friendly—feeds a crowd for under $5
- ❤️ Nostalgic, indulgent, and always a hit
If you believe dessert should be easy, shareable, and unapologetically gooey—this is your new signature sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need

