Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. These indulgent bars feature a buttery base, a luscious layer of strawberry-flavored filling, and rich white chocolate chips for a dessert that melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, holidays, or as a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Base and Filling:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
How to Make Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Base Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Press the Dough:
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth and even layer.
Prepare the Filling:
- Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Stir in 1 cup of white chocolate chips.
- Pour the Filling:
- Pour the filling mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add Toppings and Bake:
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips over the top of the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool and Serve:
- Cool Completely:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set and ensures clean slices.
- Garnish and Serve:
- For an extra touch, garnish each square with a fresh strawberry slice before serving.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Use Parchment Paper:
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars and cleaning up easier.
- Don’t Overbake:
- The bars may still look slightly gooey in the center when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Add Layers of Flavor:
- Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill for Cleaner Cuts:
- Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing for neat, professional-looking squares.
- Storage Tips:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
- Yes! Try swapping the strawberry cake mix for vanilla or lemon for a different twist on this recipe.
- Can I add fresh strawberries to the filling?
- While fresh strawberries can add a juicy burst of flavor, they may make the bars too moist. Instead, consider using freeze-dried strawberries for a concentrated flavor.
- How do I know when the bars are done?
- The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free white chocolate chips to adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet.
Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled for an extra gooey texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends!