Fluffy Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Recipe: Colorful Joy in Every Bite!
Sweet memories dance through my mind when I think about these nostalgic cream cheese funfetti bars that sparkle with childhood joy.
Colorful sprinkles peek through a creamy layer, promising delightful surprises in every bite.
Soft and decadent textures combine in a dessert that feels like a celebration.
Baking these treats brings instant happiness to any gathering or quiet afternoon.
Whimsical and playful, the bars capture pure moments of delight without complicated techniques.
Each slice promises a perfect balance between rich cream cheese and light, festive cake.
Grab a pan and let magic unfold in your kitchen!
Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars That Bring Joy
Everything Inside Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars
Cookie Base Ingredients:Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:Baking Preparation Ingredients:Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Baking Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Crank your oven to 350F. Grab a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting extra paper hang over the edges for easy bar removal.
Step 2: Mix Cookie Dough Magic
In a big mixing bowl, cream together:Blend until super fluffy and light. Toss in egg and vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth.
In another bowl, combine:Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently fold in sprinkles for that festive pop.
Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Layer
Grab a medium bowl and whip together:Beat until silky and lump-free.
Step 4: Build Your Bar Layers
Split cookie dough into two sections. Press first half into pan bottom, creating a solid base. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly across dough. Crumble remaining dough on top, softly pressing down.
Step 5: Bake To Perfection
Slide pan into oven. Bake 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and center looks firm.
Step 6: Cool And Slice
Let bars cool completely in pan. Remove using parchment paper handles. Slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator for later snacking.
Tips for Cream Cheese Funfetti Bar Success
How to Keep Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Fresh
Great Pairings for Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars
Playful Takes on Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars
Gluten-Free Funfetti Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Low-Sugar Cream Cheese Bars: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly version.
Vegan Celebration Bars: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based cream cheese, and egg replacement like flax egg to create dairy-free option.
Protein-Packed Sprinkle Bars: Add protein powder to cookie dough and use Greek yogurt cream cheese for higher protein content and fitness enthusiasts.
Questions About Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars
Yes, you can use rainbow jimmies, nonpareils, or colored sugar sprinkles. Just ensure they are baking-safe and won’t bleed color into the dough.
Absolutely. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.
Reducing sugar might affect the texture and sweetness. If you want less sweetness, try cutting sugar by only 25% to maintain the bar’s structure and taste.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Print
Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Sweet cream cheese funfetti bars deliver a whimsical celebration of childhood nostalgia and creamy indulgence. Colorful sprinkles dance through rich, silky layers, promising delightful moments of pure joy for dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups (160 g / 5.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g / 3.9 ounces) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
Sugar and Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) rainbow sprinkles
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 ounces) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by draping parchment paper inside, ensuring edges extend for effortless extraction, then calibrate the oven temperature to 350F (175C).
- Craft the foundational cookie layer by whipping softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a fluffy, pale consistency. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a separate vessel. Gradually integrate dry components into the butter mixture, stirring until just unified. Gently fold colorful sprinkles throughout the dough.
- Create the luxurious cream cheese filling by whisking cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Partition the cookie dough into equal halves. Carefully spread one portion across the pan’s bottom, forming an even foundation.
- Delicately distribute the cream cheese mixture atop the initial dough layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Delicately crumble remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese, pressing lightly to establish a rustic top layer.
- Transfer the assembled confection to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until edges transform to a golden hue and center appears stable.
- Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, permitting structural integrity to develop.
- Once thoroughly cooled, lift from the pan using parchment edges, slice into desired geometric shapes, and serve. Refrigerate remaining portions in a sealed container for optimal preservation.
Notes
- Adjust sprinkle quantity for vivid color bursts, using rainbow or specific theme sprinkles to match occasions like birthdays or holidays.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free baking blend, ensuring same texture and consistency.
- Enhance cream cheese filling by adding zesty lemon juice or orange extract for bright, tangy undertones that complement sweet base.
- Control sweetness levels by reducing powdered sugar in cream cheese layer or using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit for lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.