I would love to have the time to try every recipe that I have ever seen Paula Deen of The Food Network create. This particular recipe got me jumped and going, because I had all of the ingredients handy and it didn't take much time. (not to mention that my sweet tooth needed attention, and this sounded sweet and then some.) Be prepared that you will have a large portion of bars, so invite some company to share, or take some to give.
I am now so hooked on these, that they are in my fridge all the time!
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan
In a bowl, with an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, egg and butter and mix till smooth.
Pat this mixture into the prepared baking pan. (I literally had to pat this in like a pizza dough, it's very dense)
With the electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. (mine looks a bit lumpy, but it worked out in the end)
Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
Now dump the powdered sugar in and beat well. Start slow until blended then speed it up, to keep yourself from getting "dusted" .
Turn the speed to low and slowly add the melted butter in, mixing it in well.
Pour this mixture on top of the cake evenly.
(Typing this is making me want to go to the fridge and get a piece of Ooey Gooey right now.)
Make sure the topping is even and then place into the oven for 40-50 minutes. Watch it the last ten minutes and be sure to pull it out when the top looks good and golden. If you leave it in longer, you get firmer squares....shorter time is gooey-er. (is that a word? LOL)
When it comes out it will be raised in the center and on the edges.
As it cools it will fall a bit. When it's cool, cut into squares. This is very rich, so be careful how big you cut those squares!
The first time I made this, I followed a hint by a viewer on the website to use a spring form pan. Check your pan first for a tight seal! It leaked out all over the bottom of my oven. What a mess! But the cake turned out very good.
This batch was at 50 minutes. They are firm and easily handled.
This batch was at 40 minutes. A lot gooey-er, but still tasted divine! I cut this one into pie wedges.
Okay, I'm heading to the fridge for some ooey gooey now!
