Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

These Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful treat for eggnog lovers! With their gooey, chewy texture and creamy eggnog flavor, they make the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Their unique combination of ingredients creates an indulgent experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of cream cheese and eggnog results in a dessert that bursts with festive flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or even as a sweet surprise during the week.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: A dusting of powdered sugar gives these bars a beautiful finish, making them perfect for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• 13×9 baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your filling is smooth and well-blended.
• Baking pan: A 13×9 pan allows for even baking and the perfect size for cutting into squares.
• Aluminum foil: Lining the pan with foil makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking, ensuring neat squares.

Ingredients

For Crust:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted)
• 1 egg

For Eggnog Filling:

• 1 (8 oz pkg) cream cheese (softened)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 (16 oz box) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 baking pan with foil, extending the sides over the edges. Spray liberally with cooking spray; set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine:
* 1 box white cake mix
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 egg

Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside briefly.

Step 3: Make the Eggnog Filling

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat:
* 1 package softened cream cheese

until creamy and smooth (about 1 minute). Add in:
* 3 eggs (one at a time)
Beating well after each addition. Then add:
* 1/2 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Mix until smooth. Gradually add:
* 16 oz powdered sugar
and combine well. Finally, mix in:
* 1/4 cup eggnog
* 1/4 cup melted butter

until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the filling mixture evenly over the crust. Bake for approximately 37–45 minutes or until golden brown on top and mostly set. The bars can jiggle slightly but should not be sloshing around in the pan.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely for about an hour. Refrigerate for around two hours to set fully. Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy your delicious Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars!

How to Serve Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Topping

• Top each bar with a dollop of whipped topping for added creaminess and a festive touch.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence and flavor that is sure to impress.

Serve Warm

• For a cozy treat, serve the bars warm from the oven, allowing them to be extra gooey and delicious.

Add a Dusting of Cinnamon

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving for a spicy kick that enhances the eggnog flavor.

Enjoy with Hot Beverages

• Pair these bars with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a comforting dessert experience on chilly nights.

How to Perfect Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

Perfecting Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to make your bars even more delicious.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother filling without lumps.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough bars. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
• Check for doneness: Look for golden brown tops and a mostly set center. The bars will firm up after cooling, so they should still have a slight jiggle when you take them out.
• Cool completely: Allow them to cool fully before cutting. This helps maintain their gooey texture without falling apart.
• Chill before slicing: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours makes it easier to cut clean squares and enhances the flavors.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, ensuring they remain fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

To complement your Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars, consider these delightful side dishes. They enhance your dessert table wonderfully and balance out sweetness.

1. Spiced Nuts – A mix of roasted almonds, pecans, and walnuts spiced with cinnamon offers a crunchy contrast.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad with citrus and berries adds brightness and lightness alongside the rich bars.
3. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese paired with crackers for savory balance.
4. Holiday Cookies – Offer an assortment of traditional holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies for variety.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides a savory option that pairs well with sweet desserts.
6. Hot Chocolate Bar – Set up a hot chocolate station with various toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks for guests to enjoy alongside their bars.
7. Cinnamon Roll Casserole – This warm dish filled with cinnamon rolls creates comfort food vibes perfect during holidays.
8. Roasted Vegetables – A tray of seasonal roasted vegetables can provide a savory side that balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor of your dessert.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing is crucial. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart and lose their gooey texture.
• Overmixing the Filling: Be careful not to overmix the filling after adding the powdered sugar. This can incorporate too much air and lead to a less dense, gooey bar.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure proper ratios for the best results.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars relies heavily on the quality of ingredients. Use fresh eggs, quality cream cheese, and good vanilla extract for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring Oven Calibration: Always check your oven’s temperature accuracy. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can significantly alter baking times and results.
• Failing to Grease the Pan Properly: Ensure you grease your foil-lined pan well before pouring in the crust mixture. This prevents sticking, making it easier to lift out the bars once they are baked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: For stovetop reheating, place bars in a covered skillet over low heat for few minutes until warmed, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars.

Can I make Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a different taste while keeping them creamy.

How do I know when my Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are done?

The bars should be golden brown on top and mostly set but still jiggle slightly when moved. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or even chocolate chips for added flavor variations.

What can I serve with Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars?

These bars pair well with whipped cream or ice cream for a delightful dessert experience during holidays or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are a delicious treat that captures the essence of holiday flavors with their rich creaminess and gooey texture. They offer great versatility; you can customize them with various spices or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your friends and family will love these festive delights!