Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fruity desserts with a twist, these gooey bars will quickly become a favorite! The sweetness of white chocolate perfectly complements the tangy strawberries and lime, creating a well-balanced, indulgent treat. The gooey texture adds a fun element, making them not only irresistible but easy to enjoy with every bite. Plus, they’re a simple yet impressive dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort!
Ingredients
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1 box strawberry cake mix
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
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2 tablespoons lime zest
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until well combined, creating a dough-like consistency.
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Add the white chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Fold everything together until evenly distributed.
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Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The center should remain soft and gooey.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16 bars
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25-30 minutes
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Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
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Mixed Berries: Instead of just strawberries, you can use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a more varied berry flavor.
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Coconut: Add some shredded coconut to the batter for an added tropical twist that complements the lime.
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Dark Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a richer, less sweet taste, swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
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Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free while keeping the same great flavors.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the batter to avoid making the mixture too watery.
2. Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks if you prefer. It’ll change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.
3. Can I use lime extract instead of fresh lime juice?
Yes, lime extract can be substituted, but fresh lime juice gives a more vibrant and authentic flavor. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of lime extract for a similar taste.
4. How can I make these bars more gooey?
To make them extra gooey, reduce the baking time slightly, checking for a soft center. The bars should still set, but the inside will remain more moist and gooey.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
6. Can I add more lime zest for a stronger lime flavor?
Absolutely! If you love lime, feel free to increase the lime zest to 3 tablespoons for a more intense citrus flavor.
7. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! You can experiment with other cake mixes, like lemon or vanilla, if you want a different flavor profile. Just make sure the mix has a similar consistency.
8. Why did my bars turn out too dry?
If your bars turned out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to check for doneness at 25 minutes and only bake until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
9. How can I make these bars less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the white chocolate chips or use a less sweet cake mix. Adding more lime juice can also help balance the sweetness.
10. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before serving.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of fruity, sweet, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something indulgent, these bars will hit the spot. With a few easy variations and simple storage options, they’re perfect for making ahead or enjoying right away!
PrintStrawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars
These Strawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence. A delicious combination of fresh strawberries, tangy lime, and creamy white chocolate, all baked in a gooey bar form. The perfect treat for any occasion, they’re rich, fruity, and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the dough base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and the strawberry cake mix. Mix well. Add the egg, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Press into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add the filling: In a separate bowl, gently fold the white chocolate chips and chopped strawberries into the sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour over the dough: Spread the white chocolate and strawberry mixture evenly over the dough base.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the middle is set but still soft.
- Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the fresh strawberries with frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- To enhance the lime flavor, you can add a little extra lime juice to the filling.
- These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.