Description
These Gooey Butter Cake Brownies combine a fudgy chocolate brownie base with a silky, buttery cream cheese topping for the ultimate easy dessert bar. Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup milk. Stir until smooth and thick. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup melted butter, beating until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired. For a marbled effect, gently swirl the top layer with a butter knife.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set and golden and the center is slightly jiggly. Do not overbake.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour. For neat slices, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Lift the brownies out by the parchment and cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve at room temperature for maximum gooeyness or chilled for a firmer texture.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese. Do not overbake—the center should be slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before slicing for clean bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24 of recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: gooey butter cake brownies, dessert bars, easy brownies, chocolate, cream cheese brownies, potluck dessert, easy dessert, American dessert, gooey brownies, butter cake bars