If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re in the right place! I absolutely adore this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe because it brings together everything I love about a celebration in one colorful, sweet bite. These bars are soft, packed with sprinkles, and topped with dreamy swirls of purple and blue cream cheese frosting—trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses a boxed cake mix plus a few simple ingredients for a stress-free bake.
- Vibrant & Fun: The frosting’s whimsical swirl and colorful sprinkles make it a real crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: You can tweak the flavors and colors to suit any party or mood.
- Perfect for All Ages: Whether it’s a kid’s birthday or an adult’s sweet tooth craving, these bars fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together so nicely, creating a soft, moist base paired with creamy, luscious frosting. I always recommend using full-fat cream cheese and salted butter for the richest flavor—and make sure to bring them to room temperature to get the frosting nice and smooth.
- Funfetti cake mix: The star of the show with built-in sprinkles; picking a quality brand makes a difference.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the bars perfectly.
- Salted butter: Brings buttery flavor and keeps everything moist; melting it first makes mixing easier.
- Heavy cream: Keeps the batter tender and adds creaminess to the frosting.
- Cream cheese: For that tangy, rich frosting—room temp is key for smooth mixing.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift it if you want an ultra-smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor; homemade or good-quality store-bought works wonders.
- Food coloring (purple and blue): To get that magical unicorn look—gel colors work better than liquid.
- Sprinkles (optional): For garnish and extra fun—go wild with shapes and colors!
Variations
I love turning this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe into something a little different depending on the occasion or my mood. It’s crazy how a few swaps can completely change the vibe, and I encourage you to make it your own.
- Flavor swaps: I once used lemon cake mix and added a little lemon zest to the frosting—such a refreshing twist!
- Different frosting options: You can skip the cream cheese frosting for chocolate ganache or even a simple whipped topping if you want something lighter.
- Dietary tweaks: Try using dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a vegan-friendly version; just pick a vegan cake mix.
- Add-ins: Toss some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter to boost texture and flavor.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Batter
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F, and get a 9×13 inch baking pan ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper—I prefer parchment because it makes removal a breeze. In a large bowl, stir together the funfetti cake mix, egg, melted salted butter, and heavy cream until everything is combined. Don’t overmix here, you want the batter smooth but still light and fluffy. I found that melting the butter before mixing helps the batter come together nicely without clumps.
Step 2: Bake Your Bars
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes—don’t rush this! The bars should be lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. I’ve seen people get tempted to pull them out early because of how inviting they smell, but letting them finish baking fully is key to getting the perfect texture.
Step 3: Cool Completely Before Frosting
This is probably the most important step—wait for your bars to cool completely before frosting. If you slather on the frosting while the bars are warm, it’ll melt and slide off, which nobody wants. Cooling takes patience, but it’s worth it. I usually let mine sit out for an hour or pop it in the fridge for a bit to speed things up.
Step 4: Whip Up That Dreamy Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. My mixer gets a real workout here because I make sure this base is silky before adding powdered sugar. Slowly add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating well in between so you don’t end up with a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Then add the heavy cream and vanilla, a tablespoon at a time, until you get that perfect spreadable but fluffy texture. At this point, separate the frosting into two bowls and mix your purple and blue food coloring until you get the shades you love.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish Your Unicorn Bars
Alternate spreading the purple and blue frostings across your cooled bars and swirl them gently with a spoon or spatula to create a magical, marbled effect. This is the part I love the most because every batch looks a little different—your own edible art! Finish off with a handful of sprinkles for that extra pop of fun, then slice into 16 bars and dig in.
Pro Tips for Making Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe
- Don’t Skip Full Cooling: I’ve learned that frosting turns out best when bars are completely cool — warm bars = frosting meltdown!
- Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives more vibrant colors without watering down your frosting like liquid food coloring can.
- Slowly Add Powdered Sugar: Adding sugar gradually helps avoid a gritty texture and keeps the frosting fluffy.
- Line Your Pan With Parchment: This makes removing bars simple and keeps edges neat for perfect slices.
How to Serve Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling on extra colorful nonpareils or chunky rainbow confetti sprinkles—especially when serving these at a party. If you want to get fancy, some edible glitter or pearlized sugar crystals add a magical sparkle that makes these bars literally shine.
Side Dishes
These bars are sweet enough to be the main attraction, but I like pairing them with a simple side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, offering a light lemonade or sparkling water with a twist of lime balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these bars in a tiered dessert stand surrounded by pastel-colored macarons and mini cupcakes for a unicorn-themed spread. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane with a colorful ribbon also makes for adorable party favors that guests rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Due to the cream cheese frosting, I keep these bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long! I sometimes slice only a few bars at a time to keep the rest fresher longer.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. I usually thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.
Reheating
Since they’re frosted, I avoid reheating in the microwave. Instead, I let frozen bars thaw completely and enjoy them cold or at room temperature—the texture stays surprisingly soft and fresh this way.
FAQs
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Can I make this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe with a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! One of the wonderful things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can substitute funfetti with chocolate, lemon, strawberry, or any cake mix you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the frosting color scheme won’t match a non-funfetti cake but will still taste delicious.
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How do I prevent the frosting from melting on the bars?
Make sure the bars have cooled completely to room temperature or chill them before frosting. Applying frosting on warm bars is the main reason it melts or slides off, so a little patience goes a long way here.
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Can I prepare these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can bake the bars and refrigerate them unfrosted for up to 2 days, then frost them on the day you want to serve to keep the frosting fresh and vibrant. Alternatively, frost them ahead and keep chilled until serving.
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What’s the best way to store leftover unicorn bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, and choose a vegan funfetti cake mix. Use a plant-based heavy cream substitute or milk to achieve a similar texture. You might notice slight differences in flavor, but it’s still yummy.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it came together and how vibrant the final bars looked. The fluffy, colorful frosting paired with that classic funfetti base makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for kids or just treating yourself. These bars have become my go-to celebration treat, and I’m sure once you make them, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen too. Give it a try—you’ll love the magic it brings to your dessert table!
Print
Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These colorful and fun Unicorn Bars are made with a funfetti cake mix base and topped with a creamy, swirled cream cheese frosting in vibrant purple and blue hues. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a whimsically delightful treat, these bars combine easy-to-make cake layers with a luscious, customizable frosting. The sprinkles garnish adds an extra touch of festive sparkle.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 15.25 ounces funfetti cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted
- ½ cup heavy cream
Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), room temperature
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple food coloring
- Blue food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the funfetti cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth batter.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
- Cool Bars: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting adheres well and doesn’t melt.
- Prepare Frosting Base: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract slowly, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until the frosting reaches a light and spreadable consistency.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into two separate bowls. Fold purple food coloring into one bowl and blue food coloring into the other until you reach your desired shades.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the colored frostings alternately over the cooled bars. Use a spoon or flat spatula to swirl the colors together for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Add Sprinkles and Serve: Optionally, garnish with sprinkles. Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the Unicorn Bars refrigerated due to the dairy frosting. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap bars tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Variations: Use any cake mix flavor like chocolate, lemon, strawberry, or yellow. Experiment with different extracts and substitute liquids like orange juice or flavored milk in the frosting.
- Frosting Alternatives: You can replace the cream cheese frosting with chocolate frosting, buttermilk frosting, or whipped topping for a different taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
