Easy Cream Cheese Dessert Bars ( Old Fashioned Favorites)
There is something special about old fashioned dessert bars, especially ones made with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling.
One of the things I love about these cream cheese dessert bars is how easy they are to make. Many of them start with a cake mix and come together with just a few ingredients, making them perfect for busy days or last minute gatherings.
These simple recipes have been passed down in our family and are still some of the most requested ones at our holiday gatherings and potlucks.
My Favorite Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
These are the recipes that I come back to frequently. They each have a unique flavor, but share the same texture and creamy filling.
Lemon Cream Cheese Cake Bars
Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with a hint of tangy lemon, these bars are especially popular in the spring and summer months.
Lime Cream Cheese Cake Bars
A fun and fresh twist on the classic bars. Lime gives them a tropical flavor and makes another great summer dessert. Also perfect to serve on St Patrick’s Day.
Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Sweet raspberries are paired with lemon to create this beautiful and flavorful dessert. I am always happy to share this one on special occasions.
Pumpkin Streusel Cream Cheese Bars
These creamy bars are made with a yellow cake mix base, a creamy pumpkin filling and a streusel topping. This is such an easy pumpkin dessert to make and full of the flavors of fall.
Why You Will Love These Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
- Made with a few simple ingredients
- Easy to prepare with minimal prep
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and parties
- A great make-ahead dessert
- Creamy rich and full of flavor
Tips For Making The Best Dessert Bars
I have made different versions of these bars for over 40 years, and these tips will help make them turn out just right every time.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften for easier blending and a smoother filling.( I use Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese.
or Member’s Mark from Sams Club.) - Use a brownie pan to bake these bars in. (11 x 7 1/2-inch pan). This will make them just the right thickness.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Use a fork when combining the ingredients for the cake mix crust. It needs to stay crumbly.
- Avoid overbaking to keep them from becoming too dry.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. For a more even bar, trim the 4 edges off before cutting into bars.
Why These Cake Mix Dessert Bars Are So Popular
Cake mix dessert bars have been around for many years because of how simple they are to make, and how delicious they are.
The cake mix is a great crust and topping, paired with a rich cream cheese filling. They can be transported well to an event or dress up a dessert table.
How To Store Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
They need to be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling. Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The bars also freeze well. Store in an airtight, freezer container. I like to serve them within 1 month, but they will last for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.