Description
A rich and gooey Southern classic dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious cream cheese layer, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz), dry
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg; mix until thick and sticky.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.
- Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar in batches, mixing until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer and spread to edges.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until top is golden and center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow cake to cool completely before cutting into squares; refrigerate for cleaner cuts if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing the topping to prevent cracking. Optional: add almond extract or sea salt for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg