What the heck is this?
These bars are like the beach vacation your mouth didn’t know it needed. Imagine chewy strawberry cake layers sandwiching a tangy lime cream cheese filling, all swirled with melted white chocolate that oozes into every bite. They’re gooey, bold, fruity, and just the right amount of extra. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a summer BBQ, or just because your sweet tooth demanded attention, these bars are bright, buttery bliss in square form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Only 7 ingredients and barely any effort
– Dreamy combo of strawberry, lime, and creamy white chocolate
– Soft, gooey, rich—but still refreshing
– Eye-catching color and flavor for parties
– Great make-ahead dessert (and freezer-friendly too)
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 1 box strawberry cake mix
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– Zest of 1 lime + juice of 1/2 lime
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Get Things Heated
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until it forms a thick dough. Press about 2/3 of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Save the rest for the topping.
Step 3: Whip the Filling
In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Pour the creamy lime filling over the strawberry crust. Dollop the remaining dough in small spoonfuls across the top—it won’t cover the whole thing, and that’s totally fine. You want those gooey pockets to peek through.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly. Don’t overbake—gooey is the goal here. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. Gooey bars need time to set their delicious little selves.
Serving Suggestions
– Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate
– Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and lime zest
– Perfect on a dessert tray with other fruity bars or lemon squares
Switch It Up
– Use lemon zest and juice instead of lime for a different citrus twist
– Swap white chocolate chips for chopped strawberries or freeze-dried strawberry pieces
– Make it tropical by adding shredded coconut to the filling
– Add a few drops of lime extract for a more intense citrus flavor
Make-Ahead Tips
– These bars taste even better the next day after chilling overnight
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
– Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge or eat slightly frozen for a candy bar-like texture
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes! Lemon or vanilla cake mix works great if you can’t find strawberry, but you’ll lose that bright pink color and berry punch.
Q: Do I have to chill them before serving?
A: Yes—unless you want gooey puddles instead of bars. Chill = clean slices and the best texture.
Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A: You can, but fresh lime juice + zest gives way more flavor. It’s worth the squeeze.
Strawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars: Tangy, Sweet, and Ridiculously Soft
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These bars are like the beach vacation your mouth didn’t know it needed. Imagine chewy strawberry cake layers sandwiching a tangy lime cream cheese filling, all swirled with melted white chocolate that oozes into every bite. They’re gooey, bold, fruity, and just the right amount of extra. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a summer BBQ, or just because your sweet tooth demanded attention, these bars are bright, buttery bliss in square form.
Ingredients
– 1 box strawberry cake mix
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– Zest of 1 lime + juice of 1/2 lime
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Get Things Heated
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until it forms a thick dough. Press about 2/3 of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Save the rest for the topping.
Step 3: Whip the Filling
In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Pour the creamy lime filling over the strawberry crust. Dollop the remaining dough in small spoonfuls across the top—it won’t cover the whole thing, and that’s totally fine. You want those gooey pockets to peek through.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly. Don’t overbake—gooey is the goal here. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. Gooey bars need time to set their delicious little selves.
Notes
– Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate
– Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and lime zest
– Perfect on a dessert tray with other fruity bars or lemon squares
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~13g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Protein: ~4g