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 undeniably comforting about a dessert that blends rich cream cheese with a cake mix for effortless decadence. This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe hits that sweet spot, offering a gorgeously soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

A tray with 24 square pieces of golden yellow cornbread neatly arranged in a 4 by 6 grid on brown parchment paper. Each piece has a slightly rough, textured top with a browned crust, some areas darker than others, showing a crisp surface. The sides of each square are smooth, revealing a soft, dense, yellow interior. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 love this recipe because it manages to be both simple and show-stopping. Baking with a cake mix keeps it easy, while the cream cheese layer adds that irresistible tangy richness you don’t get with plain bars.

Super Quick Prep: You'll be amazed at how quickly these bars come together using just a few simple ingredients.
Perfect Texture Contrast: The soft cake base paired with a creamy, smooth top makes every bite a delight.
One Pan Wonder: No need for multiple dishes or pans – just one 9×13-inch pan and you’re good to go.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily switch up extracts or even the cake mix to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a simple but crucial role in this recipe. The cake mix provides structure and sweetness, while cream cheese brings that creamy, slightly tangy richness that turns ordinary bars into something extraordinary.

Flat lay of an unwrapped block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a half cup of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl melted to a liquid gold, an unbroken box of yellow cake mix bag partially open showing fine yellow powder next to it, four large whole clean eggs with smooth brown shells arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar piled high like soft snow, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, and another small white bowl with clear almond extract, all perfectly spaced in balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing; it’s the star that makes these bars extra creamy and rich.
Unsalted Butter: Melting this adds moisture and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Yellow Cake Mix: The mix gives a dependable, fluffy base that's easy to work with and delicious.
Eggs: Divided use here helps bind the batter and cream cheese mixture while keeping texture just right.
Powdered Sugar: For that sweet, smooth finish on the cream cheese layer—avoid granulated sugar which won't incorporate as well.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Almond Extract: Just a touch enhances the cream cheese flavor with a delicate nutty note.

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

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with different flavors in this recipe, but you can easily make it your own by swapping out extracts or even the cake mix flavor. It’s a blank canvas for creativity!

Variation: I’ve tried using lemon cake mix and swapped almond extract for lemon zest, which gave it a fresh, bright twist perfect for spring.
Nut Allergies: Omit the almond extract or replace it with more vanilla extract for a safe, cozy flavor.
Seasonal Upgrades: Add chopped fresh berries or swirl in a bit of fruit preserves on the cream cheese layer for a fruity flair.
Healthier Swap: Use a low-fat cream cheese and substitute powdered sugar for a powdered sugar alternative if you want to cut down on sugar.

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

The image shows one piece of yellow cake with a slightly cracked top layer, placed in the center of a round white plate. The cake piece has a soft, fluffy texture on the inside with a golden brown crust on top. A woman's hand has taken a bite from the front side of the cake, revealing its moist and tender inside. In the background, there are other similar pieces of cake placed on light brown parchment paper, all resting on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the warm tones of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften Your Cream Cheese to Perfection

I always start by letting my cream cheese come to room temperature—it softens up beautifully, making it easier to mix without lumps. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-60 second zap in the microwave (in short bursts!) works wonders. Just be careful not to melt it completely.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan with Parchment

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over by an inch or so. This little trick is a game-changer for removing the bars from the pan easily once they’re cooled.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Mix the Cake Batter

Whether you use the microwave or stovetop, melt the butter until just liquid and let it cool slightly. Then combine it with the cake mix and 2 eggs. I use my hand mixer to beat this into a smooth batter—takes about a minute and helps avoid lumps.

Step 4: Pour Cake Batter and Whip Up Cream Cheese Layer

Spread the cake batter evenly into your parchment-lined pan. Next, in the same bowl, add softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and extracts. Beat on medium-low, scraping sides as needed, until silky smooth. Pour this luscious layer over the cake batter and gently spread it out.

Step 5: Bake and Cool — Patience is Key!

Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until edges turn golden brown. The center may jiggle a bit — that’s normal! These bars continue cooking as they cool, so don’t be tempted to overbake. Once out, I always put them on a wire rack for about 2 hours before slicing.

Top Tip

Having made these bars several times, I can tell you these tips will help you get the perfect texture and flavor every single time.

Soft Cream Cheese Means Smooth Batter: No lumps here if your cream cheese is at room temp or gently softened in the microwave.
Don’t Overbake: It’s tempting to keep them in longer, but slight jiggle in the center is a sign they’re perfectly done.
Parchment Paper is a Lifesaver: It makes lifting the entire batch out for cutting much easier and less messy.
Mix Thoroughly but Gently: Especially when combining cream cheese and sugar — scraping the bowl keeps everything smooth and velvety.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe

cream cheese cake bars - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a light dusting of powdered sugar gives these bars an elegant, snowy finish. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of finely chopped toasted nuts or a few fresh berries on top for color and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a lighter contrast. They also go surprisingly well with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a pretty tray, adding edible flowers or colorful sprinkles. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel over the top just before serving to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge, layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, which means plenty of time to sneak a couple for yourself.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these bars! I wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then into a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

If you want to serve bars a little warm, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just long enough to take the chill off without melting the cream cheese layer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is super adaptable. Chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake mixes can work beautifully—just expect a different flavor profile but the same great texture.

Do I need to use powdered sugar, or can I substitute granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar is key here to get that smooth, creamy finish in the cream cheese layer. Granulated sugar won’t dissolve properly and can cause a gritty texture.

My bars cracked while baking. How can I prevent this?

Cracking often happens if the cream cheese mixture is too cold or if the oven temperature is too hot. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and bake exactly at 350°F without opening the oven door early.

Can I make these bars ahead for a party?

Yes, these bars hold up well when made a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then slice and garnish before serving. They actually taste great the next day after all the flavors have melded.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Cake Mix Bars Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something quick yet impressive. It strikes a perfect balance—easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for guests. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll appreciate how simple indulgence can be!