Description
These vibrant and fun Unicorn Bars are a delightful twist on classic funfetti cake, layered with a tangy cream cheese frosting tinted in whimsical purple and blue hues. Perfect for parties or a cheerful dessert, this recipe yields moist, colorful bars topped with a luscious, fluffy frosting and optional sprinkles for extra sparkle.
Ingredients
Bars
- 15.25 ounces box funfetti cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted
- ½ cup heavy cream
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (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)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easier removal.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the funfetti cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until the batter is evenly mixed without lumps.
- Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool the bars: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting adheres properly without melting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy in texture.
- Adjust consistency: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time along with vanilla extract while beating on high until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency.
- Color the frosting: Divide the frosting evenly into two separate bowls. Fold purple food coloring into one bowl and blue into the other until your desired shades are achieved.
- Frost the bars: Alternately spread the colored frostings over the cooled bars and swirl gently using a spoon or flat spatula to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Decorate and serve: Sprinkle optional sprinkles on top for extra fun, then cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting without lumps.
- Adjust food coloring amounts gradually to achieve the perfect intensity without overpowering flavor.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use gluten-free funfetti cake mix if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
