Unicorn Bars Recipe

Course: Bars, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 40

Servings: bars

Calories: 402kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

My magical unicorn bars are made with funfetti cake mix and colorful frosting for a party dessert that's sure to make everyone smile!

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Equipment

9x13-inch Baking Pan
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Ingredients

For the Bars:

15.25 ounces funfetti cake mix 1 box*
1 large eggs
½ cup salted butter 1 stick; melted
½ cup heavy cream **

For the Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese 1 block; room temperature
½ cup salted butter 1 stick; room temperature
3½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream use 1-3 tbsp, as needed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ***
Gel Food Coloring blue and purple****
Sprinkles optional garnish

Instructions

Bake the Cake Bars:

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Lightly grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg, butter and heavy cream until combined.
15.25 ounces funfetti cake mix, 1 large eggs, ½ cup salted butter, ½ cup heavy cream
Spread into the prepared baking pan in an even layer and bake for 20-25 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup salted butter
Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until light and fluffy.
3½ cups powdered sugar
Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, continuing to beat on high, until you get a light, fluffy frosting of spreadable consistency.
3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time, then add more if needed.

Separate into two bowls and fold in the food coloring until you get your desired colors.
Gel Food Coloring

Assemble:

Spread the different frosting colors alternately over the cooled bars, and swirl with a spoon or flat spatula.
Top with sprinkles, cut, and serve.
Sprinkles

Notes

*You can use any brand of confetti or funfetti cake mix; or use a white cake mix and fold in ½ cup of sprinkles.

**You can also substitute whole milk or half and half; but keep in mind that it will affect the consistency of the frosting and the texture and flavor of the bars slightly.

***You can substitute another extract such as almond, maple or coconut if desired.

****Substitute any of your favorite unicorn inspired colors!

Becky’s Top Tips:

You can make the base of the bars with any cake mix. Try chocolate, lemon, strawberry or yellow cake!
The butter for the cake bars should be fully melted and liquid. The butter for the frosting just needs to be softened/room temperature.
Let the bars fully cool after coming out of the oven. I give them at least 1 hour before frosting, so that it doesn't melt.
Instead of making your own frosting, a tub of pre-made frosting will do. I recently saw a tub of hot pink funfetti frosting that would work great for these!

Storage: These unicorn bars will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer. They can be served chilled or warmed to room temperature.

Nutrition