Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars – A Festive Holiday Dessert with a Rich, Creamy Center

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are everything a holiday dessert should be: indulgent, comforting, and unmistakably festive. This recipe takes the classic gooey butter bar and infuses it with the warm, spiced flavor of traditional eggnog. The result is a soft, buttery crust topped with a rich, creamy layer that stays luxuriously gooey even after baking. I particularly enjoy how the subtle nutmeg and vanilla enhance the sweetness without overpowering it. When I first tested this recipe, I tried using homemade eggnog, and the depth of flavor was outstanding, though store-bought works beautifully as well. These bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a winter afternoon. They slice cleanly once chilled, yet remain soft and decadent in the center. Best of all, they are simple to prepare, even for less experienced bakers, while delivering a bakery-style result that feels truly special.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow cake mix forms the foundation of the crust, providing structure and a subtle vanilla sweetness that pairs well with eggnog flavors. It simplifies the process while ensuring consistent results.

Unsalted butter is essential for richness and moisture. Melted butter binds the cake mix into a dense, tender base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy topping.

Large eggs play two important roles in this recipe. One egg helps set the crust, while the remaining eggs create a smooth, custard-like texture in the gooey layer.

Cream cheese is the heart of the topping. When softened, it blends seamlessly with sugar and eggs to create a velvety, slightly tangy filling that balances the sweetness.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps achieve that signature gooey consistency once baked.

Eggnog brings the festive character to these bars. Its combination of milk, cream, sugar, and spices adds depth and warmth that feels unmistakably seasonal.

Vanilla extract enhances both the cake base and the topping, rounding out the flavors and complementing the eggnog.

Ground nutmeg adds gentle spice and aroma. A small amount goes a long way in reinforcing the classic eggnog profile.

Powdered sugar is used to dust the finished bars, adding a touch of elegance and extra sweetness without heaviness.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C and lining a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact crust layer.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until light and creamy. Beat in the remaining eggs one at a time, followed by the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix until the batter is silky and uniform, taking care not to overbeat.

Pour the eggnog cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still appears slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 generous bars. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 45 minutes, and chilling time is 2 hours, for a total time of roughly 3 hours.

Storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Serve chilled or allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Reheating is not recommended, as it can alter the gooey texture.

Variations and Customizations

These Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are wonderfully adaptable. For a deeper spice profile, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves to the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a boozier note, a small splash of rum extract can enhance the eggnog flavor without adding alcohol. Chocolate lovers may enjoy folding white chocolate chips into the topping for added sweetness and texture.

For a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, though the texture will be slightly less rich. You may also experiment with a spiced cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a more pronounced holiday flavor. When I tested this with a vanilla bean paste instead of extract, the aroma was especially inviting. Each variation maintains the spirit of the original recipe while allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These bars are a rich dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation. They contain dairy, eggs, and gluten. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free cake mix and lactose-free cream cheese alternatives may be substituted with careful attention to texture.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfect Gooey Center
Bake just until the edges are set; overbaking will reduce the creamy texture.

Clean Slices
Chill thoroughly before cutting and wipe the knife between slices.

Flavor Balance
Taste the filling before baking and adjust nutmeg if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they are ideal for preparing a day in advance and chilling overnight.

Can I freeze Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars?

Yes, freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to two months and thaw in the refrigerator.

Is homemade eggnog better than store-bought?

Both work well; homemade eggnog offers a richer flavor.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.

How do I know when they are done baking?

The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.

Can I add alcohol to the recipe?

Alcohol is not recommended, but rum extract works well.

What pan size works best?

A standard rectangular baking pan provides the ideal thickness.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Slight reductions are possible, but it may affect texture.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They are rich but balanced by the tang of cream cheese.

Can I serve them warm?

They are best served chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars are a festive, indulgent dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their buttery crust and creamy, spiced topping, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed quietly at home, these bars deliver comfort and celebration in every bite.

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