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

• These bars require minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in under 45 minutes, perfect for beginner bakers wanting a foolproof sweet treat.
• Colorful sprinkles and creamy filling make these bars a guaranteed hit at potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Bars stay fresh for 5 days in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free advance preparation and convenient snacking throughout the week.
• Experiment with different sprinkle colors or add chocolate chips to personalize the recipe, making each batch unique and exciting.

Everything Inside Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Light and soft base for the cookie dough, provides structure.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth and caramel notes.
• Butter: Creamy fat that creates richness and tender texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm flavor enhancer with sweet aromatic qualities.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Sprinkles: Colorful decoration that adds fun and festive touch.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for the filling with rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps thicken the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warm flavor to the cream cheese layer.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of bars.

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

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend until super fluffy and light. Toss in egg and vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth.

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently fold in sprinkles for that festive pop.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Layer

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

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

• Customize Sprinkle Selection: Choose colorful, high-quality sprinkles for maximum visual appeal and festive flavor, avoiding generic varieties that might lose color during baking.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent the cream cheese layer from smearing.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch the bars closely during the final minutes of baking, removing them when edges are golden but the center remains slightly soft to maintain a moist, tender texture.
• Stabilize Cream Cheese Filling: Use room temperature cream cheese and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads evenly between cookie dough layers.
• Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce powdered sugar in cream cheese filling by 1-2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness, balancing the overall dessert's flavor profile.

How to Keep Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Fresh

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping cream cheese layer fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Separate each bar with wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking and maintain texture when storing.
• Place bars in freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let them defrost in refrigerator overnight. Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best taste and texture.

Great Pairings for Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars

• Classic whole milk creates a creamy counterpoint to the rich, sweet bars, cutting through the dense cream cheese and enhancing the sprinkle-packed cookie base.
• Light roast coffee with subtle caramel notes complements the vanilla and buttery undertones, providing a warm, balanced drinking experience that softens the dessert's sweetness.
• Sparkling raspberry or strawberry soda adds a vibrant, refreshing contrast, its bright acidity cutting through the richness while matching the playful sprinkle aesthetic.
• Slightly sweet, bubbly prosecco elevates these bars into an elegant dessert, its effervescence and light fruity notes dancing alongside the creamy, festive treat.

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

• Can I use different types of sprinkles?

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.

• Do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?

Absolutely. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.

• Is it okay to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

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.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

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.

Cream Cheese Funfetti Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by draping parchment paper inside, ensuring edges extend for effortless extraction, then calibrate the oven temperature to 350F (175C).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Create the luxurious cream cheese filling by whisking cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
5. Partition the cookie dough into equal halves. Carefully spread one portion across the pan’s bottom, forming an even foundation.
6. Delicately distribute the cream cheese mixture atop the initial dough layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Delicately crumble remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese, pressing lightly to establish a rustic top layer.
8. Transfer the assembled confection to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until edges transform to a golden hue and center appears stable.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, permitting structural integrity to develop.
10. 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