Golden Rich Bars
Golden Rich Bars are indulgent, creamy dessert bars with a buttery cake base topped with a rich cream cheese layer. Perfect for sharing at parties or as a sweet treat, they offer a delightful combination of moist cake and smooth, tangy topping that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 eggs until fluffy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is slightly custard-like and the cake is soft in the middle.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 20 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, a white cake mix can work as a substitute, although it may alter the flavor slightly. To make the bars a bit tangier, add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This recipe is similar in spirit to Tiny Cream Cheese Biscuits, which also highlight cream cheese beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These Golden Rich Bars are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and make a lovely dessert after a meal of Kathleen's Favorite Mashed Potatoes. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Eggnog Bread during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Rich Bars contains roughly 307 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 25g 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 use a white cake mix instead of yellow, though the flavor will be slightly different. Chocolate or lemon cake mixes could also be interesting variations, giving the bars a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust any additional flavors accordingly to complement the chosen mix.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which will give a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, use mascarpone cheese for a richer texture, but keep in mind it may be sweeter than cream cheese.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top appears slightly custard-like and the center feels soft but not wobbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are set but still fudgy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
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).