Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Absolutely! Experiment with lemon, chocolate, or vanilla cake mix for different flavor twists. The technique remains the same, so feel free to use your favorite.

Do I need to use a mixer, or can I mix by hand?

An electric mixer makes the dough come together faster, but you can totally use a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease if you don’t mind a workout. Just make sure your butter is soft!

Why do I need to line the pan with foil?

You’ll thank yourself later! Lining with foil and spraying it well means the bars lift out easily and cleanup is breeze. No wrestling with stuck-on treats.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely swap in your favorite gluten-free boxed cake mix. Just double-check the other ingredients for any sneaky gluten.

Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars Recipe

Name: Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft; 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix; 1 large egg; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 8 ounces (about 60% of a 14-ounce can) sweetened condensed milk (can use fat-free)

A Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bar is pure dessert magic sweet, chewy, and laced with irresistible pockets of creamy white chocolate. You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up a pan of these joyful, pink treats. With a handful of pantry staples and a cake mix shortcut, you’ll have gooey bars ready in under an hour, making this dessert a top contender for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something sweet and uplifting. Each bite is bursting with bright strawberry flavor, rich white chocolate, and that signature gooey center everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: No complicated steps; you’ll use cake mix as the base and simple ingredients you probably already have.
Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, you’re looking at just about a half hour of baking time, plus a few minutes to mix and layer.
Amazing Texture: Every bite has that luscious, gooey middle, crisp edges, and melty white chocolate that pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These bars look stunning and taste even better expect them to disappear as soon as you cut them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes is a handful of reliable ingredients—each bringing something wonderful to the table:

Unsalted Butter: For richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s extra soft for easy mixing.
Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the shortcut hero! It provides effortless strawberry flavor and that beautiful pink hue.
Large Egg: Helps bind everything together while keeping the bars tender.
White Chocolate Chips: They melt and create gooey, creamy pockets throughout—don’t skimp on these!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings incredible gooiness and a subtle milky sweetness; fat-free works perfectly if that’s your thing.
Tip: Line your baking pan with foil and spray for the easiest cleanup imaginable!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There’s so much you can do with this basic recipe:

Switch up the Chips: Try semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor, or use half-and-half for a marbled look.
Go Fruity: Sprinkle in freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, or even shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds will provide a delicious crunch.
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a zippy freshness that cuts through the sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars

Step 1: Get Set Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil seriously, don’t skip this! It saves time on cleanup and helps with lifting the bars out later. Give it a good spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Add the strawberry cake mix and egg, then blend on low. The dough will be super thick—hang in there until it comes together! Don’t be afraid to use your hands if the mixer struggles.

Step 3: Create the Layers

Press a bit over half the dough into the pan; use a spatula or your fingers (spray your hands with cooking spray for less sticking). Scatter the white chocolate chips evenly over the base. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the chips—just eyeball about two-thirds of the can.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Take the remaining dough, break it into small pieces, and dot them over the top. You want a patchwork effect—some sweetened condensed milk will peek through, and that’s ideal.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 27–30 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a soft golden brown; the middle may seem slightly jiggly, but it will set as it cools. Trust the edges!

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This gives them time to firm up so you can slice neat squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Soften the butter thoroughly for a smooth dough it really makes mixing easier.
Don’t overbake! The center should wobble just a little. Overbaking will rob you of the gooeyness.
Spray your hands with nonstick spray before pressing in the dough—it makes the job fast and mess-free.
Be patient with cooling; slicing too soon will give messy, sticky bars (still tasty, but harder to handle).
If you’re short on time, pop the pan in the fridge after it’s cooled on the counter for quicker setting.

How to Serve

These bars are the perfect sweet treat just as they are, but here are some ideas to elevate them:

With Fresh Strawberries: Serve alongside sliced berries for a burst of freshness.
A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top really takes these over the top.
Drizzle of Melted White Chocolate: Go big on decadence with an extra drizzle just before serving.
On Dessert Platters: These pink bars add vibrant color and flavor to any dessert spread at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Seal the bars in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey!

Freezing

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or quickly on the counter if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating

If you like your bars a touch warm (and extra gooey), microwave individual squares for just 8–10 seconds. Don’t overdo it they’re best just barely warmed!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Absolutely! Experiment with lemon, chocolate, or vanilla cake mix for different flavor twists. The technique remains the same, so feel free to use your favorite.
Do I need to use a mixer, or can I mix by hand?

An electric mixer makes the dough come together faster, but you can totally use a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease if you don’t mind a workout. Just make sure your butter is soft!
Why do I need to line the pan with foil?

You’ll thank yourself later! Lining with foil and spraying it well means the bars lift out easily and cleanup is breeze. No wrestling with stuck-on treats.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely swap in your favorite gluten-free boxed cake mix. Just double-check the other ingredients for any sneaky gluten.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars are a dream for anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re stunning to look at, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and endlessly adaptable to whatever is in your pantry. Try them soon once you taste that gooey, strawberry-packed center with pools of white chocolate, you’ll want to make these bars again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself (and your friends, if you feel like sharing)!