These Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are a delightful dessert bursting with colorful sprinkles and rich cream cheese flavor. Perfectly sweet and soft, these bars are an ideal treat for parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to spread a little joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun: The bright sprinkles make these bars visually appealing and perfect for celebrations.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
- Versatile: Customize the sprinkles or add your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist.
- Crowd-pleaser: Their irresistible flavor and texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Rainbow sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth, then gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is set and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate chips: Swap some of the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips.
- Holiday themes: Use seasonal sprinkles to match holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding into the batter?
Use high-quality sprinkles designed for baking, as they’re less likely to bleed.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
What type of pan should I use?
A 9×9-inch square pan works best, but you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.
What’s the best way to slice the bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to achieve neat slices.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
While not necessary, refrigerating them helps maintain freshness, especially in warm climates.
Can I omit the sprinkles?
Yes, but the sprinkles add a fun and festive touch. You can replace them with nuts or chocolate chips.
Are these bars chewy or cakey?
These bars have a soft and slightly chewy texture, thanks to the cream cheese.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are an easy and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich cream cheese base and vibrant sprinkles, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you enjoy them as is or customize them with your favorite flavors, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch today and share the joy!
PrintCream Cheese Funfetti Bars
These Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful sprinkles for a fun treat! A sweet cream cheese layer is sandwiched between buttery sugar cookie dough, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or any festive occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Prepare the Cookie Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base.
- Crumble or drop small pieces of the remaining cookie dough on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For best results, use block-style cream cheese (not spreadable).
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.