From Start to Finish: Lemon Gooey Bars

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy bar removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened butter, and the egg. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until a smooth, thick batter forms. It will be thick but spreadable.
• Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth and even layer. This forms the sturdy but tender base of your Lemon Gooey Bars.
• In a separate bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and fold in the white chocolate chips gently using your spatula. Spread this mixture evenly over the lemon cake base layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft to the touch—this ensures the gooey texture you’re aiming for.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.