Belleville Gooey Bars
Belleville Gooey Bars are indulgent dessert bars featuring a crumbly cake base topped with a rich cream cheese filling and a hint of lemon. Perfect for sweet cravings, they combine tangy and sweet flavors with a buttery texture, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Mix the cake mix and 1 egg until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, eggs, lemon juice, and sugar (except for 1 tablespoon) until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until set and golden.
- Sprinkle with the reserved tablespoon of sugar and cool.
- Cut into squares before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the powdered sugar slightly. To make the bars even creamier, add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. For a citrus twist, try substituting lime juice for the lemon juice. These bars are great for gatherings, much like Cassie'S Pecan Pie.
Serving Suggestions
These gooey bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience. They also make a fantastic treat alongside Raspberry Crisscross Cookies at a dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Belleville Gooey Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For optimal texture, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain their gooeyness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Belleville Gooey Bars contains roughly 216 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the gooey bars may change slightly based on the cake mix you choose.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. This will alter the flavor and texture but can still yield a delicious result.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and slightly golden, while the center should still be a bit jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so take care not to overbake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).