Description
These Strawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars combine the bright freshness of lime and strawberries with the rich sweetness of white chocolate, creating a soft and gooey treat perfect for dessert or a special snack. Baked to perfection with a slightly gooey center, these bars balance fruity zest and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined to ensure even rising and seasoning throughout the bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and creamy, then add the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
- Add Strawberries and White Chocolate: Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chips, evenly distributing them without crushing the fruit.
- Spread Batter: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey, giving the bars their signature soft texture.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and slicing into 9 servings.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after cooling to help set the gooey center.
- Fresh strawberries add the best flavor and texture; frozen strawberries can be used but may add extra moisture.
- Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the egg when mixing.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make removal effortless.
