Description
These decadent Cream Cheese Bars combine a moist yellow cake base with a rich and creamy sweet cream cheese topping, creating a perfect dessert treat for any occasion. The bars are easy to prepare and bake, resulting in 24 delicious pieces that are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until it softens. Alternatively, place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second increments until very soft, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges by at least 1 inch for easy removal later.
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it in the microwave for about 45 seconds. You can also melt it on the stovetop over medium heat, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Make Cake Batter: Add the yellow cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth, about 1 minute. Spread this thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In the same bowl, add the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to combine evenly.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The center may still jiggle slightly; the bars will continue to set as they cool. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely, about 2 hours.
- Serve: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the bars. Lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into 24 square pieces. Optionally, sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
- For softer cream cheese, make sure it reaches room temperature before mixing, or gently microwave as suggested.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- The bars will continue cooking and firming up as they cool; a slightly jiggly center is normal right out of the oven.
- If you prefer, you can substitute almond extract with extra vanilla extract.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
