If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that’s easy, creamy, and seriously addictive, then stick around because this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s the perfect mash-up of a rich cream cheese layer paired with a buttery, cake-mix base—honestly, it’s foolproof and sooo delicious. I’ve made these bars countless times for friends and family, and every single time, they disappear faster than I expect. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips to nail this recipe on your very first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You mostly need a boxed cake mix and cream cheese. No complicated baking skills required, plus it saves time.
- Creamy & Buttery Texture: That cream cheese topping pairs perfectly with the cake-like bottom for a dessert experience that’s rich but balanced.
- Great Make-Ahead Treat: These bars keep beautifully in the fridge and taste even better after chilling overnight.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for a potluck, family dessert, or quick treat, these bars are always a hit.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe plays a key role in building texture and flavor without fuss. Plus, for the cake mix, you can actually find great quality boxed mixes nowadays, and they form the perfect base layer for this creamy treat.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and that signature tangy creaminess. Be sure it’s softened to avoid lumps!
- Unsalted butter: Melting the butter helps create a tender base and controls salt levels since it’s unsalted.
- Yellow cake mix: The box cake mix makes for a quick and reliable bottom layer that’s moist and sweet.
- Eggs: They bind everything together—using four in total, two for the base and two for the cream cheese topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Almond extract: Just a hint adds a delicate nuttiness that elevates the overall taste.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it. I like to throw in mini chocolate chips, or sometimes swap almond extract for orange to switch up the flavor — try what you love and don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer gives an extra sweet surprise my family adores.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and you can enjoy this treat without sacrificing flavor.
- Citrus Flavor Swap: Replace almond extract with lemon or orange zest for a fresh summery vibe.
- Less Sweet Option: Reduce powdered sugar slightly or experiment with a sugar substitute for a slightly less sweet bar.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Soften Your Cream Cheese Like a Pro
Start by pulling your cream cheese out of the fridge to soften at room temp—this usually takes about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the microwave in 15-second bursts. Trust me, getting this right avoids lumps and gives you that gorgeously smooth cream cheese topping.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan for Easy Removal
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave at least a 1-inch overhang on the sides. This trick is a game-changer because it lets you lift the whole batch out when it’s done—no struggling to get bars out cleanly.
Step 3: Mix the Base Layer
Melt your unsalted butter in the microwave or stovetop and let it cool just a touch. Then add the yellow cake mix and two eggs, beating the mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth and thick. Spread this evenly into your prepared pan. The base layer should be dense but spreadable.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
Using the same bowl, add cream cheese, the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on medium-low speed until silky smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Pour over your cake base and gently spread to cover evenly. This layer is what gives the bars their signature creamy texture.
Step 5: Bake & Cool with Patience
Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center jiggles slightly but looks set. This jiggle is important—don’t overbake or you’ll lose that luscious creamy texture. Once out of the oven, place on a wire rack and let cool for at least 2 hours (I usually chill in the fridge). It’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Run a knife along the edges to loosen the bars, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 24 squares and, if you like, dust more powdered sugar on top for a pretty finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temp based on your preference.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having room temp cream cheese and eggs makes blending smooth and prevents lumps in your topping.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Overhang: Trust me, this makes cutting bars cleanly and removing them a breeze—no crumbling mess!
- Watch the Bake Time: The center should still be a little jiggly when out. Bars will continue to set as they cool, keeping them creamy and soft.
- Chill Before Cutting: Cooling completely or chilling overnight helps bars slice perfectly and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but I’ve also sprinkled chopped nuts or drizzled melted chocolate for a fancy upgrade. Fresh berries on top add a nice pop of color and freshness, perfect if you want something a bit lighter.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For brunch, I love serving them alongside a fruity salad or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter with toothpicks. You can also layer them in a trifle bowl alternating with fresh berries and whipped cream for an impressive dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just remember to keep them chilled for that perfect, creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil—works like a charm! When you want one, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture stays pretty great, almost like fresh-baked.
Reheating
Because these bars are best enjoyed chilled, I recommend serving them cold or at room temperature. But if you must warm one, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds — just watch carefully to keep the cream cheese from melting too much.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can try white, spice, or even funfetti cake mixes for a different twist. Just remember that darker or chocolate cake mixes might change the overall sweetness and flavor profile of the bars.
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Why does the center of the bars jiggle when I take them out of the oven?
The center will still jiggle slightly because of the cream cheese layer—it’s meant to be a bit soft and creamy. It sets further as it cools, preserving that lovely texture. Overbaking will result in a dry bar, so it’s better to bake until just set around the edges.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, but results may vary in texture. Make sure your cake mix is also dairy-free. It’s worth experimenting, but the classic version yields the best creamy consistency.
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How long do these bars last after baking?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last up to 4 days. Beyond that, the texture and freshness start to decline.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort baking moments. What I love most is how uncomplicated it is, but with a finish so rich and creamy, it feels like a fancy treat. Once you try these, I bet you’ll have people asking you to make them again and again, just like me. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and don’t forget to enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious layered cheesecake bars with a buttery cake crust and a creamy, smooth cheesecake topping, perfect for a sweet dessert treat.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
Cheesecake Topping Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Pull cream cheese from the fridge and set on the counter until softened. Alternatively, place the cream cheese in a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave in 15-second bursts until very soft, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides by at least 1 inch to allow easy removal of bars after baking.
- Melt Butter: Place butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, about 45 seconds. You can also melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to slightly cool before use.
- Make Cake Crust: Add yellow cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Topping: To the same bowl, add softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth and thoroughly combined, scraping down sides as needed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cake crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. The center may be slightly jiggly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool Bars: Remove from oven and place pan on wire rack. Allow to cool completely for 2 hours before serving.
- Serve: Run a knife around the edges to loosen bars. Lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 24 pieces. Optionally, sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature or in the microwave ensures a smooth topping without lumps.
- Using parchment paper with overhang makes removing bars from the pan effortless.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely and set will help clean slices without crumbling.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle cinnamon lightly over the powdered sugar before serving.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
