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When it comes to dessert, few combinations are as nostalgic and delightful as the classic trio of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. These flavors evoke memories of summers spent enjoying ice cream cones and decadent cakes, making them the perfect inspiration for a dessert that brings joy and indulgence in every bite. Enter the Gooey Neapolitan Cake Bars—a sweet treat that captures the essence of this beloved flavor combination in a simple, bar-style form.

Gooey Neapolitan Cake Bars

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of summer with these Gooey Neapolitan Cake Bars. Combining vibrant strawberry, rich chocolate, and creamy vanilla, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and visually stunning, they feature a moist cake base with layers that swirl together for a beautiful marbled effect. Topped with a sweet glaze, each bite is a delicious reminder of the joys of classic desserts. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet craving!
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Ingredients
  

1 box vanilla cake mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)

1 cup chocolate chips

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and milk. Mix until just combined—the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Set aside 1 cup of batter to swirl later.

      Strawberry Layer: In another bowl, stir the strawberry puree with the remaining egg and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the remaining batter until it is evenly mixed. Pour this onto the prepared baking pan.

        Chocolate Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the reserved cake batter with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Mix until the chocolate chips are well distributed.

          Layering: Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate batter over the strawberry batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.

            Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (don’t worry about it being fully clean, you want it gooey).

              Cooled Glaze: While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream or sugar if necessary.

                Cool and Glaze: Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once lightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top while the bars are still warm. If desired, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top.

                  Slice and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 2 hours) before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 16 bars