Preheat your oven to 175°C and spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, one egg, and melted butter until combined.

Using a box mix as a shortcut is one of the best-kept secrets in home baking — it is the same approach behind this crowd-pleasing coffee-soaked poke cake that has become a reader favorite here.

Spread your cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan firmly. Using your hands or a spatula helps to create a flat and consistent layer for baking.

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and very creamy. Add the two eggs and vanilla extract while continuing to mix at a medium speed.

Always make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start — working with cold cream cheese is the most common reason fillings turn out lumpy. If you love a cream cheese-based dessert, you might also enjoy this elegant no-bake cheesecake that comes together with minimal effort and is perfect for warmer days when you would rather skip the oven.

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar until your filling is smooth and free of any lumps. This step ensures that the final result is perfectly sweet and has that signature gooey texture.

Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base layer and spread it to the edges. This creates the beautiful contrast between the crust and the soft center as it bakes.

Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about forty minutes until golden brown. The center should remain slightly soft and jiggly while the edges become firm and very crispy.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you start slicing. This resting time allows the gooey center to set up enough so it is easy to serve.