Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars

Hi, I’m Ella. I’m 32 years old and living in the United States, and my love for cooking grew from simple curiosity into something that feels like a lifelong passion.

When Salma baked her first batch of Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars, the buttery aroma carried her back to her grandmother’s kitchen warm, sweet, and full of quiet joy. Each bite felt like a memory come alive.

Try this recipe it might bring back a little of that grandma-style comfort too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth, these bars are your new best friend. They’re rich and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that satisfies every dessert craving. The simplicity of using cake mix means anyone can make them without fuss.

They’re also perfect for gatherings—budget-friendly, easy to cut and serve, and crowd-approved. Whether you call them Goody Bars, Yum Yum Bars, or Gooey Bars, one thing’s certain: they’re pure dessert joy in every bite.

Ingredients Detailed

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Sweet, buttery base that gives the bars structure and flavor.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds richness and moisture to the crust.
• 4 large eggs (divided): Binds everything together for a dense, chewy texture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese: The creamy, tangy layer that makes these bars “ooey gooey.”
• 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups): Sweetens the top layer to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the creamy topping.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

1. Preheat and prepare. Set your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Melt the butter. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in short bursts until smooth. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
3. Make the crust. Add the yellow cake mix and two eggs to the butter. Mix with an electric hand mixer until the dough becomes thick and smooth. Spread it evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Soften the cream cheese. In the same bowl (no need to wash it), beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
5. Add the sweetness. Mix in the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
6. Assemble the layers. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake to perfection. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle. Don’t overbake—the gooey center is what makes them magical!
8. Cool and slice. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least two hours. Lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into neat squares.

Cultural or Technique Note

These dessert bars are an American classic, inspired by the rich flavors of traditional gooey butter cake from the Midwest. Their layered texture—dense at the bottom, creamy on top—captures the homey essence of Southern baking with a modern twist. Easy, sweet, and nostalgic, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Serving Suggestions

These Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars are incredibly versatile — the kind of dessert that fits right in at a fancy brunch or a simple weekend snack spread. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish. It adds a touch of sweetness and that bakery-perfect look everyone loves.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, buttery bars with cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
• Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. The bars’ sweetness balances beautifully with a cup of bold coffee or fragrant Earl Grey.
• Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor — tangy fruit or rich caramel against that creamy filling is divine.
• Cut into mini squares for parties or dessert platters. They hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for sharing.
• Serve chilled for a cheesecake-like texture. Once cooled, these bars firm up slightly, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Pro Tips for Success

Baking these bars is simple, but a few small touches make a big difference:

• Soften cream cheese fully before mixing. This ensures your topping layer is silky smooth and lump-free.
• Use parchment paper with overhang. It acts like a sling, making it easy to lift the cooled bars out for perfect slices.
• Don’t overbake. The slightly jiggly center is what creates that gooey magic — it’ll set as the bars cool.
• Cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off here — it keeps those beautiful layers intact and the texture perfect.
• For a flavor twist, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking. A hint of salt enhances the buttery sweetness.
• Add a touch of zest or extract for variation. Lemon zest or almond extract can elevate the flavor beautifully without changing the recipe’s structure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few pitfalls here’s how to dodge them for perfect results every time:

Overmixing the crust: Makes it dense and tough — mix only until the ingredients come together.
Using cold cream cheese: Leads to lumps — always bring it to room temperature first.
Overbaking: Dries out that signature gooey layer — look for golden edges and a soft, slightly jiggly middle.
Skipping parchment paper: Makes removal tricky — lining the pan ensures easy cleanup and neat slices.
Cutting too soon: Letting the bars cool fully allows them to set and slice cleanly, without smearing the layers.

Storage & Reheating

These bars are perfect make-ahead desserts that store beautifully — great for planning ahead for parties or gifts.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They stay chewy, moist, and flavorful.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 4 months. For easy serving, freeze in individual portions.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge for about 1 hour or let them rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. They taste just as good chilled as they do slightly warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make Neiman Marcus Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are ideal for making in advance. Bake them a day or two before your event, and they’ll stay fresh and gooey when stored properly.

Q2: Can I customize the ingredients in Neiman Marcus Bars?
Absolutely. Add-ins like lemon zest, white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel can make them uniquely yours.

Q3: How do I achieve the perfect ooey gooey texture?
Bake just until the edges are golden and the center is slightly wobbly. As the bars cool, they’ll firm up while staying perfectly soft inside.

Q4: Can Neiman Marcus Bars be served with any accompaniments?
Definitely! They’re delicious on their own, but whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit make them feel extra special.

Q5: Are Neiman Marcus Bars a good gift idea?
Yes, they make wonderful homemade gifts. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with ribbon for a sweet, buttery surprise everyone will love.

Closing Paragraph

Whether you call them Neiman Marcus Bars, Ooey Gooey Bars, or Goodie Bars, one thing’s certainthey never disappoint. These buttery, chewy dessert squares are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself after a long day. They’re quick, pantry-friendly, and guaranteed to make any occasion sweeter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a recipe like this—it reminds me why I love baking. The smell of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen, the soft crackle of powdered sugar as you slice through that creamy layer—it’s pure happiness in every bite. I hope these Ooey Gooey Neiman Marcus Bars become one of your go-to favorites, too.