**Ingredients:**
– **For the Crust:**
– 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 1 large egg
– **For the Filling:**
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) – optional
– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips – optional
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a crumbly dough forms.
2. **Press into pan:** Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
4. **Add remaining filling ingredients:** Beat in the powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the optional nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
5. **Pour over crust:** Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
6. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
7. **Cool:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips & Variations:**
– **Swirl:** For a swirled effect, use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese filling before baking.
– **Different Cake Mix:** Experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as lemon or spice.
– **Add Fruit:** Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries or blueberries) to the cream cheese filling.
– **Glaze:** Once cooled, drizzle the bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Enjoy these delicious and easy Gooey Butter Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars!
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes | **Cooking Time:** 25-30 minutes | **Total Time:** | **Servings:** 16-20 bars”