Funfetti Unicorn Bars Treat

This colorful treat brings the fun of a birthday cake into an easy-to-make bar form. Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars combine a moist, speckled cake base with creamy cream cheese frosting in playful swirls of purple and blue. They are perfect when you want a whimsical dessert that’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday yet festive enough to impress at any party.

I first made these for my niece’s birthday and now they have become her requested dessert whenever we get together. The bright frosting swirls never fail to get wide eyes and smiles.

Ingredients

• Funfetti cake mix: the star of the base delivering a moist and tender crumb choose a brand with colorful sprinkles for extra fun
• Large egg: binds the batter together helping create structure
• Salted butter: adds richness and flavor to the bars use high quality real butter for best taste
• Heavy cream: adds moisture and helps achieve a tender texture in the cake layer
• Cream cheese: essential for the frosting providing creaminess and slight tang go for full fat at room temperature for smooth blending
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting sifted to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes
• Purple and blue food coloring: creates the signature swirling colors gel-based colorings are best for vivid hues without thinning the frosting
• Sprinkles (optional): add sparkle and festive charm when garnished on top

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Cake Batter:

In a large bowl combine the funfetti cake mix, egg, melted salted butter, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and consistent making sure no dry streaks remain.

Spread Batter and Bake:

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Bars:

Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan so the frosting will adhere properly and not melt when spread.

Prepare Frosting Base:

Use a mixer to beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and flawlessly creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar:

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar half a cup at a time mixing on medium speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Incorporate Heavy Cream and Vanilla:

Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on high speed until you get a light and easily spreadable frosting consistency.

Color the Frosting:

Divide the frosting evenly into two bowls. Stir in purple gel food coloring in one and blue in the other until the desired shade is reached.

Frost the Bars:

Alternate spoonfuls of each colored frosting over the cooled bars. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl the colors creating a marbled unicorn effect.

Add Sprinkles and Serve:

Optionally sprinkle with colorful sprinkles. Cut into bars and serve either chilled or at room temperature.

I love the way the frosting colors swirl together each time I make this it feels like creating a piece of edible art. It also brings back memories of my daughter’s wide-eyed delight the very first time she saw the vibrant colors topped with her favorite sprinkles.

Storage Tips

Once frosted, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerating let them warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the funfetti cake mix with any white or vanilla cake mix and add sprinkles of your choice. For a dairy-free frosting, swap cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based milk instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

These bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. They also make a cheerful addition to brunch spreads or afternoon teas.

These bars are a joyful and vibrant treat that bring color and sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy creating your own marbled masterpiece with this easy and delightful recipe.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of cake mix is used for the bars?

A funfetti cake mix is used as the colorful, flavorful base for these bars.

→ How is the frosting colored?

The cream cheese frosting is divided into two portions and tinted with purple and blue food coloring to create vibrant swirls.

→ Can these bars be served chilled or at room temperature?

They can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

→ What gives the bars their moist texture?

The combination of egg, melted butter, and heavy cream in the batter creates a moist and tender texture.

→ Are sprinkles necessary for the bars?

Sprinkles are optional, added for an extra festive sparkle and visual appeal.