Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch pan.

2. Step 2.

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or mix by hand), combine the yellow butter cake mix, ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature, and 1 of the 3 eggs. Mix on medium speed until the batter has the consistency of cookie dough, about 1–2 minutes.

3. Step 3.

   Using your fingers, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Step 4.

   In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the remaining 2 eggs on medium-high speed until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Reduce speed to low and mix in 1 pound confectioners' sugar, 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined. Then beat on medium speed for about 1 minute more until smooth.

5. Step 5.

   Pour the cream cheese batter over the dough in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

6. Step 6.

   Bake until the top is golden and a little crusty, and the center jiggles only slightly when shaken, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then cut into 16 bars.