Groovy Bars
Sweet and creamy groovy bars feature a buttery cake base topped with a rich cream cheese layer, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the first four ingredients and spread into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer.
- Bake at 350°F (325°F for glass pan) for 45 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into small squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Groovy Bars are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve alongside Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes for a brunch spread that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the cream cheese layer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Groovy Bars contains roughly 1522 calories, with 10g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1438mg per serving (63% 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! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix such as chocolate or lemon, which will give the bars a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cream cheese layer will still dominate, so choose a cake mix that complements it.
What can I do if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
If your cream cheese mixture is lumpy, it may not have been softened adequately. Make sure to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If lumps persist, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to blend until smooth.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just ensure they are fully cooled, then cover them tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, making them even more delicious when served the next day.
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).