Okay, let’s be real, sometimes you just need a little bit of joy in your life, and what’ more, what is more joy? What is more joyful than sprinkles? Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars are like a party in your mouth. Is it easier to make a whole cake? I always think of them as the fun, slightly less fussy cousin of classic sugar cookies. If you’re a fan of anything cake batter flavored (and who isn’t? ), these are going to become your new go-to treat. They are soft, chewy, and absolutely bursting with that signature funfetti flavor that brings back memories. What are some of your best childhood memories? Is it hard not to smile when you see them?
What is Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars?
These bars are basically what would happen if a cake and a cookie decided to have a super delicious, sprinkle-covered baby. It’s essentially a soft, chewy cookie bar infused with the unmistakable flavor of cake batter, and then loaded up with a generous helping of colorful sprinkles. Think of it as a blondie, but with a major upgrade in both flavor and visual appeal. The funfetti element not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall sweetness and adds a slight textural difference that I just adore. They are dense, moist, and incredibly addictive, a perfect afternoon treat or a fun dessert to bring to any gathering.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to be head-over-heels for these Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. It truly captures that nostalgic cake batter taste that’s just so comforting and satisfying. What I love most about this is how easy they are to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques – just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, from start to finish. It is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a quick dessert for unexpected guests. My kids ask for this all the time! Plus, they’re super cost-effective, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The versatility is another big win. You can easily customize them with different types of sprinkles, add chocolate chips, or even drizzle them with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. I also think they look beautiful on a dessert platter, perfect for parties. If you’re a fan of sweet treats that are both easy and impressive, you’re going to adore these. If you like my snickerdoodle recipe, you’re sure to love these fun bars!
How do I make Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest ways to make cookie bars? How do you make a cake mix? Mix the wet and dry ingredients, fold in your sprinkles, and press the mixture into a baking dish. Bake until golden brown, let them cool, and then drizzle with a simple glaze and more sprinkles. I get so excited when I see how easily they come together. And the best part? What is the recipe for, even if you’re not an experienced baker? What are some delicious results
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s properly softened, not melted! It makes a huge difference in the texture.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
* 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake batter. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
* 1 1/2 cups yellow cake mix: This is the key ingredient that gives these bars their signature flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly and become light and airy.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the bars.
* 1/2 cup sprinkles: Use your favorite kind! I prefer the jimmies or quins for the best visual appeal.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust the amount to reach your desired consistency. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze.
* Sprinkles, for topping: Because you can never have too many sprinkles!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy cleanup. What are some tips for skipping parchment paper?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, baking powder, salt, and flour. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed. I always do this, even though it seems like a small step, it really helps the bars bake evenly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure your butter is properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumpy batter.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bars will be tough. I stop mixing when I still see a few streaks of flour and then gently fold them in.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Is it safe to add more sprinkles than the recipe calls for?
Step 6: Press into Pan
How do I spread the batter evenly in a baking pan? I find that using the back of a spoon or my fingertips works best for this.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Is there any crumbs on the surface? What are the best ways to keep a close eye on your ovens baking times?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Do not overdo glaze on cooled bars. Sprinkle with more sprinkles.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
These Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats and beverages. They are perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
For Breakfast:What are some great breakfast bars to serve at home? Serve them with a cup of hot coffee or ice cold milk.
For Brunch:What are some of the best ways to spice up a brunch table? They pair well with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and sparkling beverages.
As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy these bars as a midday snack with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. My family loves to curl up with a book and a bar on a rainy afternoon.
I always make sure to have a batch of these on hand for impromptu gatherings or when my kids need snooze. What is a little What are some of the best ways to bring a smile to your face?
What are the best ways to make Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars?
I’ve learned a few tricks that can take these Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars from the bakery. From good to absolutely amazing.
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with sugar. It should be soft to the touch but not melted. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream, and if it’s too melted, the bars will not be edible.
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. What are sprinkles? Mix until just combined, and then fold in the dry ingredients.
Sprinkle Type:What kind of sprinkles should I use? I prefer jimmies or quins, as they hold their shape better during baking. Avoid using nonpareils, as they tend to melt into the batter.
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. What is the difference between vanilla extract, powder, and The flavor will not be quite the same.
Baking Tips:What are the best ways to keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking? The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with an index finger. Is there any moist crumbs
Glaze Variations:For a thinner glaze, use more milk. Is it possible to add food coloring to a glaze?
What are some tips I’ve picked up from making these bars countless times? Is there a way to make your life better?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later.
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, make sure they are well-covered.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This is a good option if you want to keep them longer or if your kitchen is warm.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars for more than a day, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.
I’ve found that freezing these bars is a great way to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I need it. They thaw quickly and taste just as good as fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a little bit of happiness in every bite. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a snack, or just because, I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious desserts, be sure to check out my recipes for chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter bars. Happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try them, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Sharing your own variations is always welcome – I love hearing about your personal touches!
Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup funfetti cake mix
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the funfetti cake mix and sprinkles.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
