Name: Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft; 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix; 1 large egg; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 8 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Jump to Recipe

Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars combine soft strawberry cake, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and melty white chocolate chips into one irresistibly chewy square. If you love Strawberry bars that taste like bakery-style treats but come together in minutes, this recipe delivers. With just five ingredients and one bowl, these bars turn a simple box mix into a rich, gooey dessert that feels special enough for parties yet easy enough for weeknights.

Story

I first made Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars on a busy afternoon when I needed a dependable easy fruit dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. I had a box of strawberry cake mix in the pantry and wanted something more interesting than standard cake. So instead, I transformed it into thick, chewy bars layered with white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.

What makes Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars stand out is their texture. The base bakes into a soft, cookie-like layer, while the sweetened condensed milk melts into pockets of creamy sweetness. Meanwhile, the white chocolate chips add richness that balances the bright strawberry flavor.

Because they use cake mix, they fall somewhere between cake mix brownies and classic cookie bars. However, the gooey center takes them to another level. Every bite feels indulgent, yet the recipe stays wonderfully simple. Whenever I bring Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars to gatherings, they disappear fast.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
One 15.25-ounce box strawberry cake mix
1 large egg
1 cup white chocolate chips
About 8 ounces sweetened condensed milk (roughly 60% of a 14-ounce can)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easy removal, then spray it lightly with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Next, add the strawberry cake mix and egg. Mix on low speed until combined. At first, the mixture looks crumbly, but continue mixing until it forms a thick, tacky dough.

Cooking Instructions

Press about half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form a smooth base layer. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the dough. Drizzle approximately 8 ounces of sweetened condensed milk across the surface. Then crumble the remaining dough into roughly 1-inch pieces and distribute them over the top, gently pressing them down without fully covering the milk layer. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and the center looks mostly set but slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 2 to 3 hours before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overbake these bars. Although the center may look slightly underdone, it firms as it cools. Overbaking leads to dry edges and reduces the gooey texture. Also, avoid pressing all the top dough into a solid sheet. Leaving gaps allows the sweetened condensed milk to bubble up and create that signature soft center.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use high-quality white chocolate chips for smoother melting and richer taste. If your butter feels too cold, soften it properly before mixing to prevent uneven blending. For clean slices, chill the bars briefly before cutting. This simple step gives you sharp edges while keeping the inside soft and chewy.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars at room temperature for the softest texture. For an extra treat, pair them with vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries. They also make a colorful addition to dessert trays alongside other fruit dessert recipe favorites.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars prove that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dessert. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they offer everything you want in a quick homemade treat. Bake a batch once, and they will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can substitute other cake mix flavors such as lemon or vanilla. However, strawberry delivers the signature flavor and color that define Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars.

Why are my bars too gooey in the center?

The bars need sufficient cooling time to firm up. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours before slicing. If they still seem overly soft, refrigerate them briefly to help them set.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may increase slightly depending on your oven.