Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are a delightful and colorful treat that combines a buttery cookie base with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, and bursts of funfetti sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or whenever you need a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of funfetti.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite sprinkle colors.
- Fun, festive, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Funfetti sprinkles
For Garnish:
- Additional sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. - Prepare the Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle additional funfetti on top if desired for decoration.
- Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The bars will firm up as they cool. - Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Funfetti: Use chocolate sprinkles or add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer.
- Seasonal Twist: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for festive occasions.
- Lemon Funfetti Bars: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a citrusy touch.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made cookie dough for the base?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works well for a quick shortcut.
2. How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding?
Use high-quality sprinkles and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. Avoid overmixing.
3. Can I make these bars without sprinkles?
Absolutely! They’ll still be delicious without the sprinkles, though less festive.
4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly jiggly but not wet.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
6. What’s the best way to slice clean squares?
Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
8. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that flavored cream cheese may alter the taste of the bars.
9. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Place the cream cheese in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a low power setting.
10. Can I add food coloring to the cream cheese layer?
Yes, a few drops of pastel or bright colors can make these bars even more festive.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are a vibrant and delicious dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you need a little extra fun in your life. With their buttery base, creamy filling, and colorful sprinkles, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Whip up a batch and enjoy the sweet, festive vibes!
Print
Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful sprinkles and creamy layers of cream cheese filling. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need a fun and festive dessert!
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100 g) rainbow sprinkles
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Divide the cookie dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cookie dough layer.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing it down to form the top layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For extra fun, sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top of the bars before baking.
- Use a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars and adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.