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Lemon Gooey Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
  • Yield: 16 servings

Description

These Lemon Gooey Bars are a delightful treat combining a soft lemon-flavored cake base with a tangy lemon curd layer, white chocolate chips, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The bars have a cobbled, golden crust that is baked to a perfect gooey texture, making them an irresistible dessert for lemon lovers.

Ingredients

Base Dough

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 15 ounce box lemon cake mix (just the cake mix)
  • 1 large egg
  • Zest from one lemon

Filling and Topping

  • 1/3 cup lemon curd
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later, and lightly spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Dough: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter until it is smooth and fluffy. Then, beat in the lemon cake mix, egg, and lemon zest until all ingredients are fully combined and a thick dough forms.
  3. Form the Base Layer: Press approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer as the base of the bars.
  4. Spread Lemon Curd: Evenly spread the lemon curd over the dough base, leaving a quarter-inch border around the edges bare to prevent bubbling over during baking.
  5. Add Chips and Condensed Milk: Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the lemon curd layer. Then drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, leaving a small border free of the drizzle to maintain a defined tart edge.
  6. Add Remaining Dough: Break up the remaining dough into pieces about half to one inch in size and distribute them over the top of the bars, leaving some of the condensed milk exposed to create a cobbled, rustic look. Press the dough pieces lightly to seal them slightly into the filling.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 29 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned and the top is set.
  8. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from oven and cool completely. Then refrigerate for a few hours to allow them to set firmly before lifting from the pan using parchment overhang and cutting into 16 small bars.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the cake mix.
  • Use a sharp knife heated under hot water and dried for clean cuts.
  • Chilling the bars before cutting helps maintain their gooey texture and prevents crumbling.
  • For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/lemon-gooey-bars-recipe/