Ooey Gooey Orange Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadently creamy and delicious dessert featuring a tender buttery crust topped with a luscious cream cheese and orange-infused filling. Baked to perfection, these bars are lightly browned on top with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that truly lives up to their name. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, they are dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 5 hrs 50 mins
- Yield: 12 to 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb. powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste or 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about an inch hanging over the sides to easily lift the bars later.
- Make the crust dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and powdered sugar. Drizzle in the melted unsalted butter and stir with a spatula until the dough comes together evenly.
- Bake the crust: Press the crust dough evenly into the prepared pan and dock it all over with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Remove and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to high and mix for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate air for a light texture.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing briefly between each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean paste or extract, grated orange zest, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Assemble and bake: Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring it reaches all corners. Bake the bars on the center rack at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until the filling is lightly browned and puffed.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Before serving, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out, slice into 12 to 16 portions, and enjoy!
Notes
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling.
- Docking the crust helps prevent bubbling while baking.
- For the best flavor, let the bars chill overnight to let the filling set fully.
- Vanilla bean paste can be substituted with vanilla extract if needed.
- The orange zest adds a fresh citrus brightness and can be adjusted to taste.
