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