Description
The perfect intersection of zesty citrus and decadent sweetness. Using a clever cake mix shortcut, these bars feature a thick lemon crust, a melty white chocolate center, and a layer of sweetened condensed milk. The result is an incredibly soft, rich dessert that tastes like a high-end bakery treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (15.25 oz) Lemon Supreme cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 can (approx. 3/4 cup) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (standard, not ‘baking chips’)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup 2% milk, 1 large egg
Instructions
Batter: Whisk cake mix, butter, sugar, egg, and milk until a thick dough forms.
Layers: Press half the dough into a sprayed 9×9 glass dish. Sprinkle white chocolate chips on top. Pour half the can of condensed milk over the chips.
Top: Spoon remaining dough in dabs over the milk; gently spread (it’s okay if the center peeks through).
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 mins. A toothpick should come out clean.
Set: Cool completely in the dish. For cleanest cuts, chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
The ‘Goo’ Factor: Sweetened condensed milk is the structural secret. Using exactly half the can ensures a fudgy middle without the bars becoming too liquid or falling apart.
White Chocolate Choice: Standard chips are preferred over ‘premiere baking’ varieties because they often contain specific emulsifiers and cocoa butter levels that provide a superior melt in this dense bar format.
Patience is Key: Because of the high sugar and fat content in the center, these bars must reach room temperature (or lower) to fully set. Cutting while warm will result in a messy, unstructured slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bars
- Method: Layered Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: lemon white chocolate bars, gooey lemon bars, cake mix hack desserts, easy lemon treats, sweetened condensed milk recipes