Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars
Nothing beats the delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors in a coffee cake, especially when it’s packed with juicy raspberries and creamy white chocolate. These Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars are the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal prep time—so let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
These Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars are not just another dessert; they are a comforting way to start your day or to brighten up your afternoon. The use of cake mix simplifies the process, making it incredibly accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, moist bar filled with fresh raspberries, melting white chocolate, and the warmth of cinnamon. Each bite is a delightful experience that will have you craving more. Plus, they make for a beautiful presentation at gatherings, and your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cake mix (any flavor you enjoy; vanilla works great)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, cold (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for these bars.
- Spatula: To spread the mixture evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for the best results.
- Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients thoroughly.
Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars in Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined and a thick batter forms. This will be the base for your coffee cake bars.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Make sure to create a nice even layer for the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Layer
Gently fold the raspberries into the condensed milk in a separate bowl. Once combined, spoon the raspberry mixture over the batter in the pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Create the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cold butter pieces, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to blend until you have a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the raspberry layer.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the crumbly mixture. They will melt into the bars while baking, adding a decadent touch.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. This cooling time will help them set up a bit more and make slicing easier.
In-Season Flavor Ideas
- Peaches: Swap raspberries for fresh peaches during summer for a juicy twist.
- Blueberries: Use fresh blueberries for a classic combination.
- Cherries: Try sweet or tart cherries for a delightful cherry almond flavor.
- Apples: Add diced apples with a touch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired treat.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
As with any baking adventure, there are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can lead to a dense texture.
- Underbaking: If they seem too gooey in the center after the suggested baking time, give them an extra 5 minutes but keep a close eye on the top.
- Substituting Ingredients: If you replace the cake mix with homemade cake batter, the texture may vary. Stick to the recipe for the best results.
- Fruit Juice: If using frozen raspberries, make sure to drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars are baked and sliced, allow them to cool completely in the pan. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For a warm treat, simply pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will melt just enough to create that gooey goodness all over again!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can switch out the raspberries for any seasonal fruit you prefer, such as blueberries, cherries, or even diced apples. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars are too crumbly, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To fix this for future batches, keep an eye on the baking time and consider adding a touch more butter or condensed milk to ensure a moist texture.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
How can I make these bars more decadent?
If you want to amp up the indulgence factor, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top after baking. You could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details and tips for making these scrumptious Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars, there’s no reason to wait. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful bars tonight. The aromas will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be rewarded with a sweet, gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined and a thick batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Gently fold the raspberries into the condensed milk in a separate bowl. Spoon the raspberry mixture over the batter in the pan, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cold butter pieces, and cinnamon. Blend until you have a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the raspberry layer.
- Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the crumbly mixture.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the Gooey Raspberry Coffee Cake Bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute raspberries with other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries.
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gooier texture, ensure not to overbake the bars.
