Chocochip Gooey Treats

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to my Chocochip Gooey Treats. These delightful bars are the perfect blend of a classic chocolate chip cookie and a rich, gooey butter bar. They’re easy to whip up and are sure to impress at any gathering, whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a special occasion with friends and family. You might even find yourself making them on repeat because they’re just that good!

What makes these Chocochip Gooey Treats truly special is the creamy cream cheese filling that balances perfectly with the buttery crust. The slight crust on top gives way to a soft, gooey center that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, you’ll want to share this recipe with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these treats in the oven in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies! This dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and creamy filling creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Most likely, you already have everything you need right in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what goes into these delicious Chocochip Gooey Treats.

For the Crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 large egg
• 1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)

For the Filling:

• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 box powdered sugar (16 ounces)
• 1 stick salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
• 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use different chips: Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips!
• Incorporate flavors: Mix in some cinnamon or espresso powder for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for everyone to enjoy!

How to Make Chocochip Gooey Treats

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the rack in the center position. This ensures even baking so your Chocochip Gooey Treats come out perfectly cooked every time.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Lightly butter or spray a 9×13 casserole dish or baking pan. This step is essential as it prevents sticking and makes serving easier later on.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, pour in your cake mix. Add one egg and the melted butter. Mix until well combined; it should resemble loose Play-Doh. This crust forms the base of your treats and adds that delicious buttery flavor.

Step 4: Press It Into the Pan

Scrape the batter into your prepared dish using a spatula to ensure every bit gets used. Then, with clean hands, press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. A good crust is key to holding all that gooey goodness!

Step 5: Beat Your Cream Cheese

In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it yet!), beat your cream cheese until fluffy. This will become your rich filling that complements the crust beautifully.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To the cream cheese mixture, add two eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is very well combined; this helps create that creamy texture we all love.

Step 7: Incorporate Powdered Sugar

With your mixer set at low speed, gradually add in powdered sugar until thoroughly mixed in. This sweetens up your filling nicely without being overly sugary.

Step 8: Mix In Butter

Next, gradually add another stick of melted butter while mixing well. This adds richness and ties all those flavors together beautifully.

Step 9: Chocolate Chips Galore!

Now for one of my favorite parts—add in those semi-sweet chocolate chips! Give it another good mix so they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 10: Pour Over Crust

Carefully pour your filling mixture over the crust batter, spreading it evenly across. This helps create that lovely layered look when baked.

Step 11: Bake Away!

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes. Remember, it might still be jiggly when you take it out—that’s normal!

Step 12: Cooling Time

Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool for at least two hours before cutting into squares. Letting them cool helps set everything nicely so they cut perfectly.

And there you have it—your homemade Chocochip Gooey Treats! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; either way, they’re bound to become a treasured favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocochip Gooey Treats

Baking is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve that perfect gooey texture and flavor!

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth filling without lumps. Cold cream cheese can lead to an uneven mixture, which affects the final texture.
• Don’t overmix the filling: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a light and airy consistency. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a denser filling.
• Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Cooling for at least 2 hours allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and giving you that perfect gooey center.
• Try different chocolate chips: Experimenting with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips can change the flavor profile. Each type brings its unique sweetness and richness to your treats.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful gooeyness!

How to Serve Chocochip Gooey Treats

Presenting your Chocochip Gooey Treats beautifully can take your dessert from delicious to delightful. Here are some ideas for serving this scrumptious treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, enhancing the visual appeal of your treats.
• Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a lovely color contrast and a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the gooiness of the bars perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with rich desserts.
• Coffee or tea: Serving with a hot beverage enhances the experience, as the warmth of coffee or tea contrasts beautifully with the chilled gooey treats.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, this whipped topping adds a rich, creamy element while keeping things light and fluffy.

Enjoy sharing (or keeping) these yummy Chocochip Gooey Treats with friends and family! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a cozy night-in dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocochip Gooey Treats are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for a special occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for longer freshness; they will keep well for about a week in the fridge.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy serving later.
• Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place the desired number of bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 F for about 5-10 minutes to restore that gooey texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful treats!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in Chocochip Gooey Treats?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my Chocochip Gooey Treats come out perfectly gooey?

The secret is in the baking time! Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should still be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven. This ensures they’ll remain nice and gooey after cooling.

What can I serve with Chocochip Gooey Treats?

These treats pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla non-dairy ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream! They also taste fantastic with a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

Can I make Chocochip Gooey Treats gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Chocochip Gooey Treats as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing with family or indulging on your own. The combination of flavors and textures makes them truly special. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your sweet tooth will thank you!