Description
These luscious Cream Cheese Cake Bars combine a buttery yellow cake base with a smooth, rich cream cheese topping infused with vanilla and almond extracts. Baked to golden perfection and chilled to set, they are perfect for a delightful dessert or a sweet snack anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar, about 4 cups
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Pull the cream cheese from the fridge and leave it on the counter until softened. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second bursts for 30 to 60 seconds until very soft.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides by at least 1 inch for easy removal of bars later.
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, about 45 seconds. You can also melt it in a small saucepan over medium heat but let it cool slightly before use.
- Make Cake Base Batter: Add the yellow cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Spread this thick batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In the same bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low speed until fully smooth and combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake base in the pan.
- Bake Bars: Bake for 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The center may jiggle slightly—that’s okay as the bars will continue to cook as they cool. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 2 hours to set.
- Slice and Serve: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the bars. Lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Optionally, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese properly ensures a smooth topping without lumps.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps them hold their shape.
- Using parchment paper for lining the pan provides an easy way to lift the bars out cleanly.
- You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
