Description
These Strawberry Lime White Chocolate Gooey Bars are a delightful treat combining the tartness of fresh strawberries and lime with the sweetness of white chocolate. With a soft, gooey center and a slightly chewy texture, these bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and a refreshing twist on classic dessert bars.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and fresh lime juice to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread in Pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden but the center remains slightly gooey for that perfect texture.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 9 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain the gooey center texture.
- Using fresh strawberries adds moisture; dried strawberries can be used but may alter texture.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- If lime juice is not available, lemon juice can be substituted for a different citrus flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make bar removal simple.
