Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s equal parts decadent, chewy, and just a little bit indulgent, let me introduce you to the magic that is Ooey Gooey Bars. These little squares of sweet perfection are the perfect treat when you want something simple, yet utterly irresistible. Picture layers of buttery, gooey goodness, with a slight crispiness on top and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into these, you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re serving them up at a party or enjoying them on a cozy evening in, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Ooey Gooey Bars

These bars have it all—delicious texture, easy prep, and the perfect balance of sweet and buttery. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your dessert lineup:

Easy to Make

There’s no complicated process here. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these mouthwatering bars ready to enjoy in no time.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness

The name says it all—these bars are gooey! They have a soft, chewy texture that makes every bite feel like a little piece of heaven.

Versatile

You can mix things up by adding in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel. The base recipe is perfect as is, but it also leaves plenty of room for creativity.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are a hit whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply to treat yourself after a long day. They’re the kind of dessert that everyone will want the recipe for!

Crowd-Pleasing

With a simple yet irresistible flavor, Ooey Gooey Bars are loved by both kids and adults alike. They’re always the first thing to disappear at any event!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these ooey-gooey wonders:

For the Base:

• Butter (melted)
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar (for that extra sweetness)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For the Gooey Center:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything we need, let’s get baking!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to ensure your bars come out easily.

Step 2: Make the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. This will form the base layer of your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Spread the base mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean from the center. Don’t worry if there’s a little gooeyness left in the center—that’s the magic!

Step 4: Make the Gooey Topping

While the base is baking, prepare the gooey center. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once your base has finished baking, pour the gooey mixture over the slightly cooled base layer, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it—overbaking will make it less gooey.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy all the chewy, gooey goodness! The longer you let them cool, the firmer they’ll get, but they’ll still maintain that perfect chewy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Bars

These bars are amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate them even further:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an extra treat, top each square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bar and the cold, creamy ice cream is pure heaven.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

If you love chocolate, a drizzle of hot fudge or melted chocolate on top will make these bars even more indulgent.

Pair with Coffee or Milk

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, Ooey Gooey Bars make the perfect companion for your favorite beverage.

Add a Dash of Sea Salt

For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before serving. The salty-sweet combo is irresistible!

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing them together. This helps everything blend more smoothly.

Let Them Cool Completely

As tempting as it is to dig in right away, let the bars cool completely before slicing them. This will help the gooey center set up perfectly while still maintaining that indulgent texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Add Your Favorite Mix-ins

Want to make these bars even more exciting? Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the base before baking, or stir them into the gooey topping for an added burst of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A1: Yes! You can use granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a lovely caramelized flavor that enhances the gooeyness.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q3: Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Bars?

A3: Yes! They freeze wonderfully. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Q4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can make them a day in advance, just store them covered at room temperature. They’ll be even more gooey and flavorful the next day.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?

A5: Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! Just fold them into the base or sprinkle them on top of the gooey filling before baking.

Q6: Can I use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan?

A6: If you use a larger pan, you’ll need to adjust the baking time and the amount of batter. The bars will be thinner and cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Q7: How can I make the topping more set?

A7: If you prefer a firmer topping, you can bake the bars for a little longer, but be careful not to overbake the gooey center.

Q8: Can I add nuts to this recipe?

A8: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition to the base or the topping.

Q9: Can I use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version?

A9: Yes! Sweetened condensed coconut milk can be substituted for the regular sweetened condensed milk to make a dairy-free version of these bars.

Q10: How do I know when they’re done baking?

A10: The bars are done when the topping is golden and set. If you gently shake the pan, the filling should be firm but still a little jiggly in the center.

These Ooey Gooey Bars are an easy, indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to make you smile with every bite!

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