Gushy Gooey Bars
Gushy Gooey Bars feature a soft cake base topped with creamy cheese filling and crunchy pecans, offering a deliciously sweet and nutty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, 1 egg, and softened margarine.
- Pat the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Store in the refrigerator for best freshness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the yellow cake mix with a vanilla or butter cake mix. If you're looking to reduce fat, you can replace the margarine with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. Make sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in your filling. For added texture, try mixing in a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. They make a great addition to dessert platters, especially when served with other sweet treats like Martha'S 5 Minute Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your Gushy Gooey Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week this way. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become too soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gushy Gooey Bars contains roughly 454 calories, with 2g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 26g 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 make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gushy Gooey Bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to two days in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They often taste even better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. If you want a nut-free version, you can simply omit them or use a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can make Gushy Gooey Bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Many brands offer delicious options that work well in this recipe. Just double-check the other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free, especially the confectioners sugar.
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).