Enhanced Gooey Cake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (dry)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added texture)

For the Gooey Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 16 oz powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh flavor note)

Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, mix the dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-combined.
• If using, fold in the chopped nuts to the mixture.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer.

1. Prepare the Gooey Layer:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the beaten eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until combined.

1. Assemble:

• Pour the gooey cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

1. Cool:

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps the bars set properly and makes them easier to cut.

1. Optional Finishing Touch:

• For an extra touch, dust the cooled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk.

Tips:

• Flavor Variations: Add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit to the crust for added flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: These bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Enjoy your improved gooey cake bars!