Butter Bars
Butter Bars offer a rich, creamy treat with a buttery crust and sweet cream cheese topping. Their indulgent flavor makes them perfect for dessert gatherings or as a special snack. Easy to prepare and universally loved, these bars are sure to delight guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the butter yellow cake mix, softened butter or oleo, and egg together until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed crust in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version. If you prefer a lighter texture, use an additional egg white instead of a whole egg in the cream cheese mixture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother blend.
Serving Suggestions
These butter bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. They pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a fun twist, serve with a glass of Apple Milk Punch to complement their sweetness. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Bars contains roughly 2425 calories, with 9g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 231g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses butter yellow cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the bars will change, but they will still be delicious. Adjust the accompanying cream cheese filling to match the flavor for best results.
What should I do if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
If your cream cheese mixture is lumpy, it's likely that the cream cheese wasn't softened enough. To fix this, beat the mixture longer until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Ensuring that the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing can help prevent lumps.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these butter bars can be made ahead of time! They actually taste even better after sitting for a day, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store them properly in the refrigerator. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them covered until you're ready to serve.
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).