Lemon Gooey Bars

Lemon Gooey Bars are a tangy-sweet dessert featuring a soft, buttery base and a luscious lemon-flavored top.

Similar in texture to gooey butter cake, these bars have a bright citrus kick that’s perfect for springtime gatherings or whenever you crave a refreshing treat.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Cake mix: Forms an easy base layer (yellow cake mix or lemon cake mix).
• Butter and eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough and filling.
• Cream cheese: Contributes to the gooey, tangy top layer.
• Lemon juice and zest: Deliver vibrant citrus flavor.

Ingredients

Base

• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Gooey Lemon Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups powdered sugar (plus more for optional garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven ; Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Form the base:  In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the lemon layer : In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly fluffy.
4. Assemble : Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake : Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center may still look slightly soft but will set as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the top layer gooey.
6. Cool and serve : Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Slice into squares and serve.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Bake Time

25–30 minutes

Total Time

40–45 minutes (plus cooling)

Nutrition (per bar, ~12 bars)

• Calories: ~270
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~38g
• Sugar: ~26g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• Adjust lemon flavor Increase lemon juice or zest for a more pronounced citrus kick.
• Room temperature ingredients Allow eggs and cream cheese to warm slightly for smoother mixing.
• Don’t overbake The top layer should remain gooey; a slight jiggle in the center is normal.

FAQs

Can I use a lemon cake mix?

Yes, it adds extra lemon flavor, but a yellow cake mix works just as well.

Do I need fresh lemons?

Fresh juice and zest give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

How long do these bars last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing Place bars in a tightly sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating These bars are typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-free Use a gluten-free cake mix.
• Berry twist Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the top layer before baking.
• Coconut addition Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top layer for extra texture and flavor.

Lemon Gooey Bars

Lemon Gooey Bars are a tangy-sweet dessert featuring a soft, buttery base and a luscious lemon-flavored top.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• - Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### Base
• - 1 box about 15.25 oz yellow or lemon cake mix
• - 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• - 1 large egg
• #### Gooey Lemon Layer
• - 8 oz cream cheese softened
• - 2 large eggs
• - 2 cups powdered sugar plus more for optional garnish
• - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice adjust to taste
• - 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the oven** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• **Form the base** In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• **Prepare the lemon layer** In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly fluffy.
• **Assemble** Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
• **Bake** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center may still look slightly soft but will set as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the top layer gooey.
• **Cool and serve** Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Slice into squares and serve.