Last Updated on June 30, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh

I have a sweet tooth that can’t be stopped. It’s one of my downfalls, but the best solution is baking for other people. These Gooey Coffee Butter Bars are my most requested dessert recipe. They are decadent, buttery and rich. You can serve them with a cup of coffee or glass of ice cold milk. There’s just a hint of coffee, so it’s not overpowering the sweet flavor.

You can make them ahead of time for company and they last about a week in a sealed container. Since they have cream cheese in them, I make sure they’re stored in a cool place or the refrigerator. Then you can bring them to room temperature right before serving.

According to the New York Times, It’s actually a twist on a dessert that’s popular in St. Louis. “Legend has it that the St. Louis gooey butter cake originated by accident in the 1930s, when a baker mixed up the proportion of butter in one of his coffee cakes.”

I just added the coffee flavor for more depth. You could even substitute the coffee for pumpkin, if you’re looking for a fall version. Either way, it’s sure to be a big hit in your home!

Related: Easy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Gooey Coffee Butter Bars: A Rich and Delicious Dessert

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Mix cake mix, melted butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 eggs with a spoon. Pat into a 9 X 9 inch pan.

For the topping, mix cream cheese, 2 eggs and 3 1/2 teaspoons strong coffee with an electric mixer. Slowly beat in confectioner’s sugar. Pour over cake layer.

Bake bars for 45 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center has set to a soft consistency.

The top of the bars with look flakey and light brown when finished. Let them cool completely before cutting. Store in an air-tight container.

Serve with a cup of coffee for dessert or glass of milk. It also pairs nicely with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream.