Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly melds the tartness of fresh raspberries with the sweet, creamy goodness of white chocolate, you’ve found it in these Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional coffee cake, and it’s incredibly easy to make using just a cake mix. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why I Love This Recipe
The beauty of these Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together in no time, making them the ideal choice for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings. The combination of the tart raspberries, the rich white chocolate, and the warm hints of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the gooey texture makes every bite a delightful experience. You’re bound to fall in love with this recipe, just as I have!
Ingredient Breakdown
To whip up these delectable bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 Cake Mix: Any flavor works, but a vanilla or yellow cake mix complements the raspberries beautifully.
- 1 Egg: This helps bind the mixture together, adding richness.
- 1/2 Cup Butter (melted): This adds moisture and flavor to the cake base.
- 1 Cup Raspberries: Fresh or frozen, these give a burst of tartness.
- 1/2 Cup Condensed Milk: This creates a gooey texture and sweetens the bars.
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips: These add a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the raspberries.
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar: This enhances the flavor and adds a rich, caramel-like note.
- 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps to stabilize the batter.
- 1/4 Cup Butter (cold, cut into small pieces): This will be used for the crumb topping.
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the flavors beautifully.
Hardware & Gadgets
To bring your Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars to life, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Baking Dish (9×9 inch): To bake your coffee cake bars.
- Spatula: Great for spreading the batter evenly.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the ingredients smoothly.
Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars — Do This Next
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating these heavenly bars.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles a thick batter.
Step 3: Assemble the Base in the Baking Dish
Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to create a smooth layer.
Step 4: Add the Raspberries
Evenly distribute the raspberries over the cake batter, gently pressing them in to ensure they stick.
Step 5: Prepare the Gooey Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the condensed milk, white chocolate chips, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Pour this mixture over the raspberries, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Make the Topping
In another bowl, take the cold butter pieces and combine them with the remaining cake mix (approximately 1/2 cup), brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the gooey filling.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Tailor It to Your Diet
If you have specific dietary preferences, here are some easy ways to customize the recipe:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free cake mix and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping.
- Fruit Variations: Replace raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
Don’t Do This
To ensure your Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars turn out perfectly, avoid the following common mistakes:
- Don’t skip greasing the baking dish; it helps prevent sticking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough bars.
- Don’t use overly ripe or mushy raspberries, as they can turn the filling too watery.
- Be careful not to underbake; the bars should be set in the center for the perfect texture.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars fresh and delicious, follow these tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I mix in other flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, coconut, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for added flavor.
What should I serve with these bars?
These coffee cake bars are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! These Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself, each bite is sure to bring joy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the gooey, sweet, and tart flavors that make this dessert a standout. Happy baking!
Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Make the Cake Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble the Base. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently.
- Step 4: Add the Raspberries. Evenly distribute the raspberries over the cake batter, gently pressing them in.
- Step 5: Prepare the Gooey Filling. In a separate bowl, combine the condensed milk, white chocolate chips, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and pour over raspberries.
- Step 6: Make the Topping. Combine cold butter pieces with remaining cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over the filling.
- Step 7: Bake. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool and Slice. Allow to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
