Perfect Potluck Dessert Bars Recipe

Introduction

The Perfect Potluck Dessert is a rich and layered treat that combines a soft cake base, creamy cream cheese filling, and gooey chocolate chips. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering with its delightful flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the baked crust.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer, followed by the chopped pecans if using.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the heavy cream over the top of the chocolate chips and pecans to add moisture and richness.
7. Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
8. Step 8: Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or spice cake mix.
• Add fresh berries or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist.
• Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of semisweet chocolate for variety.
• Chopped nuts can be omitted or substituted with walnuts or almonds based on preference.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Storage

Store leftover dessert bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor, or warm briefly in the microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be prepared a day in advance. Bake it and store it covered in the refrigerator. It’s a convenient make-ahead option for potlucks.

Can I freeze the potluck dessert?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Perfect Potluck Dessert Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

The Perfect Potluck Dessert is a rich, layered treat featuring a buttery yellow cake base, a smooth cream cheese filling, and gooey chocolate chips topped with a drizzle of heavy cream and optional pecans. This simple yet sophisticated dessert is easy to make, serves a crowd, and is perfect for sharing at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Crust

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Filling & Topping

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms, then press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
2. Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm crust.
4. Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
5. Drizzle Heavy Cream: Drizzle the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and pecans to add moisture and help everything meld during baking.
6. Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Notes

• For a different flavor twist, try using chocolate or spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
• Adding fresh berries or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese layer can add a refreshing contrast.
• Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch; you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
• This dessert can be made ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated before serving.
• Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: potluck dessert, layered dessert, cream cheese dessert, chocolate chip dessert, easy dessert, yellow cake dessert, crowd-pleaser