Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Bars

🍰 Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Bars

Ingredients

Base layer:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Cream cheese layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sugar

Topping:

• 2–3 tbsp sugar (for that crispy crust)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 pan.
2. Make base:
   Mix butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
   Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
   Spread evenly in the pan.
3. Make cream layer:
   Beat cream cheese, egg, and sugar until smooth.
   Pour over base.
4. Add sugar topping:
   Sprinkle sugar evenly over the top.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes
   • Edges: golden and crisp
   • Center: slightly soft (not fully firm)
6. Cool before cutting into squares.

❓ Q&A

Q: Why is the middle a bit gooey?
A: That’s the signature texture—caused by the cream cheese layer. Don’t overbake or it’ll lose that softness.

Q: How do I get the crackly top like in the picture?
A: Generously sprinkle sugar before baking. Coarse sugar works best.

Q: Can I make it more cake-like?
A: Yes—add an extra ¼ cup flour to the base and bake a few minutes longer.

Q: Can I flavor it?
A: Definitely! Try:

• Lemon zest 🍋
• Coconut flakes 🥥
• Cinnamon sugar topping

Q: How should I store it?
A: Refrigerate (because of cream cheese) up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.