Introduction

Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars are a delightful treat combining the fruity sweetness of strawberry cake mix with the rich creaminess of white chocolate and condensed milk. These bars are soft, indulgent, and perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

A stack of three square pink dessert bars with a crumbly texture are shown. Each bar has two visible layers: a bottom light brown layer that looks like a crust, and a thick top pink layer with chunks of white that seem to be white chocolate or cream mixed in. The top pink layer also has small caramel or golden gooey spots. The bars are placed on a white marbled surface, with some small crumbs scattered around. Two more bars are partially visible in the background, slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (very soft)
1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix
1 large egg
1 cup white chocolate chips
About 60% of one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (approximately 8 ounces, fat-free recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray for easier cleanup, then set the pan aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the strawberry cake mix and the egg to the bowl. Beat on low speed until combined. The batter will be very thick; continue mixing until it changes from pea-sized crumbles to a tacky, thick dough.
Step 4: Press about half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form a smooth base layer. Use a spatula or your hands lightly sprayed with cooking spray for easier spreading. Set the remaining dough aside.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the dough base.
Step 6: Drizzle approximately 8 ounces (about 60% of the can) of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the white chocolate chips.
Step 7: Drop the remaining dough in roughly 1-inch pieces over the condensed milk layer. Lightly press down, but it’s fine if some areas are not fully covered.
Step 8: Bake the bars for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center may still be slightly jiggly; this is normal.
Step 9: Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the bars firm up enough for cutting.

Tips & Variations

For easier handling, spray your hands with cooking spray when pressing the dough layers into the pan.
Use fat-free sweetened condensed milk to lighten the bars without sacrificing creaminess.
Try swapping white chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor twist.
If you like a bit of texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the white chocolate layer before drizzling the condensed milk.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To serve, bring them to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of three square pink bars stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface, each bar having two layers: a brownish bottom crust and a thick pink layer filled with small white chunks. The top bar has a bite taken out from one corner revealing the soft, crumbly texture inside. There are tiny crumbs scattered around the stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan for this recipe?

While a 9×9-inch pan is recommended for proper thickness, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on doneness.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration is not required but can help extend their shelf life. If storing at room temperature, keep the bars covered and consume within a few days to maintain freshness and texture.