Name: Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 8 ounces cream cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about these bars—rich, creamy, and just sweet enough. This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe combines a fluffy cake base with a luscious cream cheese topping that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to after-dinner treats.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made these bars more times than I can count because they're so incredibly easy and always a crowd-pleaser. The texture, the balance of flavors, and that creamy layer—it's just irresistible every time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry already, making it a quick go-to.
Perfect Texture: The cake mix base is soft and just sweet enough, while the cream cheese topping adds a velvety richness.
Great for Any Occasion: These bars work equally well as an after-school snack or an impressive dessert for guests.
Easy Slice-and-Serve: Baking in a 9x13 pan with parchment makes cleanup and serving effortless.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe plays a key role in building that lush, tender bar with the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. Here are the essentials and a little explanation to guide you when you shop.

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, creating that distinctive luscious topping that everyone loves.
Unsalted butter: Melting the butter helps bind the cake mix into a tender crust and prevents anything from getting too dry.
Yellow cake mix: Using a boxed cake mix keeps things simple and predictable, giving you a fluffy crumb without fuss.
Large eggs: Eggs firm up both layers, adding structure so these bars hold together beautifully.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer smoothly without graininess—key for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors overall, making everything taste homemade.
Almond extract: Just a splash here gives a subtle nutty aroma that takes the bars to the next level.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this recipe is—you can tweak the extracts, add mix-ins, or even play with the cake mix flavor. It’s your canvas, really, so don’t hesitate to make it yours.

Variation: Once, I swapped the yellow cake mix for chocolate. It added a rich, indulgent twist that my family adored, especially with a handful of chopped nuts stirred into the cream cheese layer.
Diet-friendly options: Using a sugar-free or gluten-free cake mix can work with some careful ingredient swaps, just make sure your mix behaves similarly in texture.
Seasonal twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the cream cheese layer for a cozy fall vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe

Step 1: Soften and Prep

Start by taking your cream cheese out of the fridge to soften—it'll be much easier to mix and gives you a smoother result. If you’re short on time, microwave it in 15-second bursts until it’s very soft but not melted. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over so you can lift the bars out later without fuss.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter until just melted and slightly cooled—this is essential so you don’t cook your eggs when mixing. Add the yellow cake mix and 2 of your eggs, then beat with a mixer until smooth and thick. Spread this evenly into your prepared pan. It forms the chewy, cakey bottom layer that’s the perfect base.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Using the same bowl (quick and easy cleanup!), mix together the softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat on medium-low until silky smooth, scraping the sides down to get everything combined well. Pour this mixture evenly over your cake batter in the pan.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the center might still have a tiny bit of jiggle—that’s perfect, as the bars will set as they cool. Resist the temptation to overbake! Let them cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours. This helps the bars firm up and slice nicely.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bars. Use the parchment paper “handles” to lift the whole slab out and onto a cutting board. Then slice into 24 pieces (or however big you like). For a pretty presentation, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top. Enjoy!

Top Tip

From my many batches of these bars, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in texture and taste. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get perfect bars every time.

Softened Cream Cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is really soft—cold lumps won’t blend smoothly and you’ll get an uneven topping.
Don’t Overbake: The jiggly center on pulling the bars out of the oven means they’re just right; overbaking makes the bars dry and crumbly.
Use Parchment Paper: This simple step makes removing and slicing the bars so much easier—and keeps them intact.
Beat the Batter Well: Mixing the cake layer enough ensures a smooth base, preventing clumps or dry spots.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe

Cream Cheese Cake Bars - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, but a light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a lovely touch if you’re feeling fancy. Fresh berries also brighten up the bars, especially in spring and summer.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. They also pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve cut them into bite-sized squares and placed them on decorative trays with edible flowers or sprinkled crushed nuts on top. Layered in a trifle dish with fresh fruit and whipped cream, they transform into a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge—this helps keep the cream cheese layer fresh. They stay great for up to 4 days, and honestly, they often disappear faster than that in my house!

Freezing

You can freeze these bars by slicing first, then wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temp.

Reheating

I usually enjoy them chilled, but if you prefer warm bars, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) work well. Just don’t overheat, or the cream cheese layer can become oily.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor?

Absolutely! You can swap in chocolate or white cake mixes, but I recommend sticking to flavors you enjoy and keeping the other ingredients the same. Just remember that different cake mixes might alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden-brown edges, and don’t worry if the center jiggles just a bit when you take them out—that’s how you get that creamy texture. Overbaking will dry out the bars, so err on the side of underdone if unsure.

Can I make these bars dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture and flavor, so dairy-free or vegan adaptations require specialty products like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Keep in mind the texture may vary.

How long do these bars last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars last about 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them as described above, where they’ll keep for a couple of months with good quality.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe has become a comforting staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious every single time. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like giving a big, sweet hug with every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize it and make it your own; these bars are ready for your creativity!