Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars

Name: Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar; 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (Packed); 2 Large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1.5 cups Cake Mix (Funfetti or Vanilla); 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Sprinkles

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What is funfetti cake batter? Seriously, I’m not kidding when I say these are dangerously addictive. Imagine a soft, chewy Sugar Cookie, then inject it with an intense burst of flavor. Funfetti cake batter flavor. Is it that good? If you’re anything like me and love a good Blondie recipe but sometimes crave that little something that makes you happy. *extra*, these bars are your answer. The sprinkles dance in your mouth! Honestly, my kids request these more than actual birthday cake some weeks.

What are Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars?

What is the lovechild of a chewy Sugar Cookie and funfetti cake? Think of it as a blondie, but with the unmistakable, joyful flavor of cake batter (yes, *that* cake*). What are the best parts of baking a cake? Unadulterated joy – and packing it into a super convenient, easy-to-eat bar form. The name comes from the funfetti! What does cake batter taste like?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is insane. You get that sweet, buttery cookie base, but then BOOM! The cake batter hits you, all vanilla-y and sprinkle-y. It’s pure nostalgia in every bite. Then there’s the fact that these are ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum reward. This is the kind of dessert you can whip up on a weeknight when you need a little something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. We’re talking pantry staples here, folks. No fancy ingredients required. Plus, these Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile! Serve them as is, crumble them over ice cream (trust me on this one), or pack them in lunchboxes. They’re always a hit! I’ve even brought these to potlucks and watched them disappear in minutes. Seriously, they’re a crowd-pleaser. If you love my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ll *adore* these; it’s like a party version of that classic.

How do I make Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars?

Quick Overview

How do I make these bars? How do you make a cookie dough, then fold it in with the Cake Mix? Press it into a pan, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with some simple glaze. What’s the hardest part about cutting into them? What is the best part about living without any fancy equipment? What are the basics of a baking pan?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted! What makes a difference? * 1/4 cup granulated sugar * 3/4 cup packed light Brown Sugar* 2 large eggs * 1 teaspoon vanilla. Extract – Use the real stuff! What are the best ways to enhance the flavor of a dish? * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 3 tablespoons baking powder * 4 cups oats* 1 cup rye flour

For the Cake Batter Boost:
* 1 box (15.25 oz) Funfetti cake mix – Any brand works, but I’m partial to Pillsbury. * 1/2 cup sprinkles – The more, the merrier!

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar * 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency) – I’ve tested this. Is almond milk creamier than regular milk? * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * Sprinkles, for topping.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you want to remove a large piece of paper, line it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the sides. How do you lift cookie bars out of the oven? I always do this because it’s just less messy!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. How do you bake a bar? How does baking soda help them rise and get that soft texture we’re after?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Is it possible to make a dough with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes? Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is room temperature 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! Overmixing creates gluten in the flour, which can result in tough bars. If there are streaks of flour left over, it’s okay to add it to a cake mix.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Now, gently fold in the Funfetti cake mix and sprinkles until evenly distributed. Do not overmix at this stage either! You want to keep the batter light and airy. What makes these bars unique?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do you press the batter into the prepared baking pan? I like to use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s nice and even for even baking. Now sprinkle additional sprinkles on top. What is too many sprinkles?

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Is it possible to get a few moist crumbs out of the jar? How long does it take for a cake to bake? If the edges are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Is it important to let the bars cool before frosting? While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do I use vanilla extract to make it smooth? Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with more sprinkles. Why not?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve. What are the best foods to eat at room temperature? I like to use a sharp knife to get clean cuts, and sometimes I even run the knife under hot water. For extra smooth slices.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars? What are some ideas for different occasions?

For Breakfast:Pair them with coffee or latte. What are some fun ways to start the day off right? What’s a good morning treat? Cut them into smaller squares.

For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, like berries and melon. What are some of the best sweets to add to a brunch spread? What are some great cocktails to serve with your brunch?

As Dessert:Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What’s the best combination of cookie bars and ice cream? Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra-decadent dessert.

For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy a hot chocolate or milk in the evening? I love to curl up on the couch with a good book. They’re the perfect comfort food.

My family has a tradition of making these for every birthday even if there’s cake too! It’s just become “our thing,” and everyone always looks forward to it.

How do I make Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars?

Want to take your Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars to the next level? Here are my top tips, learned from many batches (and a few minor disasters!):

Butter Prep:How do you make sure your butter is softened? Should your finger be soft enough to press into easily, but not greasy. If your bars are too soft, they will spread too much during baking. I usually take mine out of the fridge an hour or two before I start baking.

Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Is there a streak of flour left on the bowl? Is there a way to make the crumbs disappear when you add the cake mix?

Sprinkle Customization: HowWhat are the different types of sprinkles? What are some good jimmies (the long, thin ones)? What are some of the best shaped sprinkles? I’ve used red and green sprinkles for Christmas and Easter!

Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with equal parts flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. What is vanilla extract? What are some examples? The flavor will not be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious. I’ve also used gluten-free flour with great results (just make sure to add a little extra baking powder if you’re baking with whole wheat flour).

Baking Tips:What time should I bake my bars? If the edges are browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. Is it safe to eat just a few moist crumbs?

Glaze Variations:For a richer glaze, substitute the milk with heavy cream. How do you add food coloring to sprinkles? I once added a splash of lemon extract to the glaze, and it was surprisingly delicious.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to enjoy your Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars for days to come? Here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy! Make sure they are covered properly, the air will dry them out.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They might be slightly firmer when cold, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to freeze them *without* the glaze. Add the glaze after they’ve thawed for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to also check the ingredients of the cake mix to ensure it is also gluten-free. You might need to add a little extra baking powder to help with the rise. I recommend using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t use zucchini. So no!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While I haven’t personally tried making these as muffins, I think it would work! You’d need to adjust the baking time, though. Start by baking them for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You might also want to use muffin liners for easier removal.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. For the glaze, you can use less powdered sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar instead. You can also melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top. Another option is to make a simple buttercream frosting.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! Funfetti Cake Batter Cookie Bars that are sure to bring a smile to your face. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that’s guaranteed to be a hit, look no further! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie bar recipes for more delicious inspiration. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! If you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them too!

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