These are often called Neiman Marcus bars simply because they are rich and delicious, but this is NOT a Neiman Marcus recipe.
This was an accidental creation in 1930 by a German baker in St. Louis when he reversed proportions of butter & sugar while making a cake. It was the height of the Depression and could not be wasted and what-do-you-know it became a hit! They soon showed up in all the bakeries and shops in St. Louis.
More sugar was consumed per capita by Americans in the 1930’s than ever before or since. There were a lot of food shortages but somehow sugar was available and dessert made people feel better!
The crust was originally a sweet yeast dough but now is made so simple by using a yellow cake with butter and eggs.
Spread out in a baking dish with a parchment paper sling and set aside.
For the topping whip together very soft cream cheese with 2 more eggs, powdered sugar and vanilla.
Pour over the crust and throw in to bake.
Let cool for 2-3 hours and them pull out with the parchment sling and cut into squares.
DELICIOUS!
St. Louis Ooey Gooey Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter **1 cube
- box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese **at room temp
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.Prepare 9×13" baking dish by laying parchment paper into the pan with the edges hanging over the side to make a sling. Spray the exposed ends with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in mixing bowl. Add cake mix and 2 eggs. Use an electric mixer to whip together for about 30 seconds.
- Spoon into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with your hands.
- In the same add the cream cheese. NOTE: If necessary, zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds so that it's very soft. Add remaining 2 eggs, the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip on medium until smooth, about 45 seconds.
- Pour over the prepared dough. Bake in center of oven for 35-40 minutes.Remove from oven and cool on rack for 2-3 hours.Use a thin knife to loosen the edges and lift out using the parchment paper.Cut into 24 pieces.