Good Bars
Good Bars are rich, nutty layered treats combining a buttery cake base, crunchy pecans, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, they appeal to pecan lovers and those craving a sweet, buttery flavor with a satisfying crunch. Great for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Duncan Hines Butter Recipe golden cake mix with 3/4 cup melted margarine until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup chopped pecans evenly over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the brown sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pecans in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup chopped pecans over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cake mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra nutty flavor, consider toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the bars. If you don't have Duncan Hines Butter Recipe golden cake mix, you can substitute it with any yellow cake mix. To make this recipe even richer, add a layer of chocolate chips between the pecans and cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Good Bars are perfect as a dessert on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat. They can be served at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet snack throughout the day. Consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Good Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for a month, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or heat briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Bars contains roughly 511 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% 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 type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any yellow or butter cake mix as a substitute for Duncan Hines Butter Recipe golden cake mix. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly, so choose one that you enjoy.
Can I make these Good Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for gatherings. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as brown sugar and pecans, are also gluten-free.
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).