Ooey Gooey Pecan Bars
Sweet and gooey pecan bars featuring a buttery cake mix crust and a rich cream cheese topping, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix 1 cup melted butter, the cake mix, and 1 egg until combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, remaining 1 stick of melted butter, 2 sticks of butter, 3 eggs, and the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have butter pecan cake mix, a yellow cake mix can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier blending, and for a nutty crunch, you can add chopped pecans on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These ooey gooey pecan bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a tart fruit salad or a slice of Rosemary'S Fruit Cloud. They make for a great dessert at gatherings or as a sweet snack with coffee.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pecan bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ooey Gooey Pecan Bars contains roughly 344 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 28g 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter pecan cake mix with a yellow or vanilla cake mix. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still yield delicious results. Just be sure to adjust any additional flavors accordingly if you want to maintain a nutty profile.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The pecan bars are done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not wet. After removing from the oven, they will continue to firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, indicating they are ready.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and taste.
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).