Lemon Gooey Bars

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Golden, soft, and bursting with citrusy zing, these Lemon Gooey Bars are like sunshine in dessert form. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering that perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. The tender, buttery base contrasts beautifully with the creamy, gooey lemon center, making this treat an irresistible option for spring picnics, summer brunches, or cozy winter days when you need a bright bite of joy.

These bars are deceptively simple to make, yet taste like they came from a high-end bakery. Using just a few pantry staples and a burst of fresh lemon, they come together quickly and deliver big on flavor. A drizzle of glaze over the top seals the deal with an extra lemony finish.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

For this recipe, a classic yellow cake mix works wonders. It gives you a rich, buttery flavor that complements the lemon beautifully. If you’re looking for a slightly tangier twist, you can try lemon cake mix, but keep in mind it might intensify the tartness. Stick with yellow if you want a more balanced gooey bar.

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Ingredients for the Lemon Gooey Bars

Yellow Cake Mix
This is the foundation of the bars. It adds a rich, buttery flavor and saves time compared to making the base from scratch.

Butter
Melted butter binds the cake mix while adding that essential richness that makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth.

Eggs
Used both in the crust and the filling, eggs provide structure and help give the bars their gooey texture.

Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese is key for the gooey layer. It adds tanginess and that signature creamy bite.

Powdered Sugar
Sweetens the filling and blends smoothly into the cream cheese.

Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest
Provides the vibrant citrus punch that defines these bars.

Vanilla Extract
Balances the tart lemon and enhances the overall flavor.

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How To Make the Lemon Gooey Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and silky.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For an extra burst of lemon, mix a simple glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice, and drizzle it over the top before slicing.

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Serving and Storing Lemon Gooey Bars

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The creamy center firms up beautifully once cooled. They make a great addition to dessert platters or as an afternoon sweet treat.

To store, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (wrapped individually) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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What to Serve With Lemon Gooey Bars?

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring an extra fruity layer that complements the lemon.

Whipped Cream

A light, fluffy topping that enhances the richness without overpowering the citrus.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic pairing for a warm weather dessert or to add creaminess.

Iced Green Tea

Its slight bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.

Prosecco or Sparkling Lemonade

Ideal for brunches or celebrations.

Greek Yogurt

Surprisingly refreshing and balances the sweetness if you’re serving these bars for breakfast.

Shortbread Cookies

Adds a textural contrast if you’re building a dessert platter.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these lemon gooey bars brightened your day, here are a few more sunshine-inspired or comfort-packed treats to try:

• Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars if you’re short on time but crave that citrusy pop.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for those classic sweet cravings.
• Twix Cookie Cups with a caramel crunch in every bite.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake if you want to go full-on decadent.
• The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for the ultimate cozy indulgence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use yellow or lemon cake mix? Add a glaze or skip it?

I love hearing how others personalize their bakes. Don’t be shy about asking questions either—we’re all here to learn and share.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and feel-good food ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest. Who knows, you might just find your next favorite dessert!

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