Strawberry White Chocolate Gooey Bars

These strawberry white chocolate gooey bars combine a buttery cookie-style base with juicy strawberries and pockets of melted white chocolate. The baking method creates crisp edges and a soft, gooey center layered with fruit. The finished bars are rich, chewy, and bursting with sweet berry flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gooey soft center – Thick batter bakes into a tender, chewy texture.
Fresh strawberry flavor – Real fruit adds brightness and juiciness.
Creamy white chocolate pockets – Melted chips create rich sweetness.
Easy one-pan dessert – Simple layering with minimal cleanup.
Crowd-pleasing combination – Classic strawberry and white chocolate pairing.
Great make-ahead treat – Bars slice cleanly after cooling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bar Batter

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted – Provides richness and moisture
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and structures the bars
1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes
2 large eggs, room temperature – Bind the batter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour – Forms the structural base
1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds light lift
1/2 teaspoon fine salt – Balances sweetness

For the Filling

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped – Provide juicy fruit flavor
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens fruit juices during baking
1 cup white chocolate chips – Create creamy sweet pockets
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) – Decorative finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment. Leave overhang for easy removal.

Mix butter and sugars
Stir melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This creates a cohesive base.

Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated. The batter should look thick and uniform.

Incorporate dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt separately, then fold into the wet mixture just until combined.

Prepare the strawberry filling
Toss chopped strawberries with cornstarch to coat evenly. This prevents excess moisture.

Layer the batter and fillings
Spread half the batter in the pan, sprinkle white chocolate chips, add strawberries, then dollop remaining batter gently on top.

Bake until golden
Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.

Cool and slice
Cool in the pan for about 1 hour, lift out, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use firm ripe strawberries – Prevents excess liquid.
Measure flour carefully – Too much causes dense bars.
Do not overmix batter – Keeps texture tender.
Cool completely before slicing – Helps bars set.
Distribute fillings evenly – Ensures uniform baking.
Line the pan with parchment – Simplifies removal.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45–50 minutes plus cooling
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: ~280 per bar (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast
Fresh whipped cream for lightness
Hot coffee or cappuccino to balance sweetness
Sparkling lemonade for a refreshing finish

Ideal Occasions

Summer picnics and barbecues with seasonal fruit
Birthday parties and celebrations
Bake sales and potlucks for easy sharing
Afternoon dessert spreads

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days
Bring to room temperature before serving
Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking
Freeze up to 1 month and thaw gently

Creative Variations to Try

Mixed berry version – Use raspberries or blueberries
Chocolate swirl – Add melted dark chocolate drizzle
Citrus zest addition – Mix lemon zest into batter
Nutty crunch – Sprinkle sliced almonds on top

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too wet in center – Bake a few minutes longer
Dry texture – Caused by overbaking or excess flour
Fruit sinking – Spread strawberries evenly
Burning edges – Tent loosely with foil

Why This Recipe Works

These bars balance moisture and structure through a butter-rich batter stabilized by flour and eggs. Brown sugar retains moisture, keeping the crumb soft, while cornstarch thickens strawberry juices to prevent sogginess. White chocolate melts into creamy pockets that enrich texture without overpowering the fruit. Controlled baking produces crisp edges and a gooey center at roughly 280 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry white chocolate gooey bars deliver indulgent sweetness and fresh fruit flavor in an easy-to-make dessert. Their soft texture and vibrant taste make them perfect for sharing, and lighter adjustments—such as reducing sugar or increasing fruit—can tailor them to your needs. With simple technique and reliable results, they’re a standout addition to any baker’s lineup.