Texas Gold Bars
Texas Gold Bars are rich, creamy dessert bars with a buttery crust and a smooth cream cheese topping. Their sweet vanilla flavor combined with the soft cake layer makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or a comforting treat. A delightful, easy-to-make dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Combine the yellow cake mix, one beaten egg, and melted margarine until well blended.
- Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In the meantime, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add vanilla, 2 eggs, and powdered sugar; beat until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture to enhance the sweetness. If you're short on time, a store-bought cream cheese frosting can be a great substitute for the cream cheese layer. Just be careful to adjust the sugar content accordingly, as store-bought options can vary in sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These Texas Gold Bars are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Holiday Chocolate Turtles during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Texas Gold Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Gold Bars contains roughly 487 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 38g 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 flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of cake mix. Chocolate or lemon cake mixes can add a unique twist to the bars. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, so choose a mix that complements the cream cheese filling.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the cream cheese layer is set and doesn't jiggle when you lightly shake the pan. They should also have a slight golden color around the edges. It's always a good idea to check a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Texas Gold Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in the refrigerator. They often taste even better after sitting, as the flavors meld together nicely. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).