Introduction
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Funfetti Bars topped with a creamy frosting. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are sure to brighten your day. Bursting with color and flavor, they’re not only visually appealing but also easy to make!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Bars:
15.25 ounces box Funfetti cake mix
1 large egg
½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted
½ cup heavy cream
For the Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup salted butter (1 stick), room temperature
3½ cups powdered sugar
1-3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple and blue food coloring
Sprinkles (optional garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12-16 bars
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Funfetti cake mix, one large egg, ½ cup of melted salted butter, and ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix together until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Carefully spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches all corners.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if the bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Bars
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will make it easier to frost them later.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of room temperature salted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, ½ cup at a time. Beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy after each addition.
Step 8: Incorporate Heavy Cream and Vanilla
Add 1-3 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. Beat until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on desired texture.
Step 9: Color the Frosting
Divide the frosting into two separate bowls. Add purple food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Mix until you achieve the desired shades of color.
Step 10: Frost the Bars
Using a spoon or flat spatula, alternately spread dollops of the purple and blue frosting over the cooled bars. Gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
Step 11: Add Decorative Sprinkles
If desired, add sprinkles on top of the frosted bars for extra decoration and visual appeal.
Step 12: Cut and Serve
Once frosted, cut the bars into squares and serve them to enjoy.
Notes
Storage Suggestions
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They should last up to a week.
Customization Options
Feel free to customize the colors of the frosting or add different types of sprinkles for special occasions.
Allergy Considerations
Adjust ingredients to accommodate any allergies, such as using dairy-free alternatives for butter and cream cheese if necessary.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Properly combine the dry and wet ingredients to ensure a uniform batter. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
Baking Time
Monitor the baking process closely. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of the bars to indicate they are fully baked. Adjust baking time as necessary based on your oven’s performance.
Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period helps set the bars, making them easier to frost and cut.
Frosting Consistency
Achieve a light and fluffy frosting by gradually adding powdered sugar and beating thoroughly. This not only improves the texture but also enhances the taste.
Color Swirling
When adding colored frosting, use a spatula or spoon to gently swirl the colors. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain distinct swirls for a visually appealing finish.
Decoration
To add a special touch, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top of the frosted bars. This makes for an attractive presentation and adds a delightful crunch.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the Funfetti cake mix with any other flavor of your choice. Adjust the frosting colors accordingly for a cohesive look.
How can I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze the bars with frosting?
Yes, you can freeze the bars with frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What if my frosting is too thick?
You can add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, to thin out the frosting to your desired consistency.
Are there any alternatives for heavy cream?
If you prefer not to use heavy cream, consider using milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. Be aware that this might alter the final texture slightly.
Conclusion
These Funfetti bars, topped with a swirl of colorful cream cheese frosting, are not only visually appealing but also deliciously moist and rich. The combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and butter creates a treat that’s perfect for celebrations or just a bite of joy any day. Enjoy these fun treats as a delightful dessert that will brighten up any occasion!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Substitute the Funfetti cake mix with a chocolate chip cookie mix for a classic treat with gooey chocolate chips. Top with a vanilla or chocolate frosting for added sweetness.
Lemon Blueberry Bars
Use lemon cake mix instead of Funfetti and add a cup of fresh blueberries to the batter for a refreshing twist. Top with a lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting.
Peanut Butter Swirl Bars
Incorporate peanut butter into the batter and create swirls of peanut butter frosting on top for a rich and nutty flavor profile.
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bars
Replace the Funfetti mix with red velvet cake mix and top with a traditional cream cheese frosting, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Coconut Lime Bars
Use a coconut cake mix and add lime zest to the frosting for a tropical flavor. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an added crunch.
