Name: Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces funfetti cake mix; 1 large egg; ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted; ½ cup heavy cream; 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)

If you’re craving something bright, festive, and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe. Imagine all the cheerful confetti magic of a funfetti cake but in easy-to-handle bar form—perfect for sharing at birthday parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet midweek treat. These bars are moist, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting that’s as colorful as it is tasty.

One of my favorite things about this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe is how simple it is to whip up without sacrificing any of the fun or flavor. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds just the right tangy richness while you get to play with whimsical purple and blue hues that really make these bars stand out. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make these for every celebration (or Sunday).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right mix of ingredients is key to nailing the texture and flavor of these unicorn-inspired bars. Here’s what you’ll want on hand before you dive in, and I’ve added a few tips to help you pick the best versions.

Funfetti cake mix: This is the star of the show, bringing that classic vanilla cake flavor with colorful sprinkles baked right in. Look for one with simple ingredients for best results.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
Salted butter: Adds flavor and moisture. I always go straight for real butter rather than margarine—it makes a huge difference in taste.
Heavy cream: Used both in the batter and frosting to keep things extra creamy and luscious.
Cream cheese: Room temperature is key here to avoid lumps in your frosting. It gives the topping a smooth tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Provides that silky sweetness in the frosting—sifted if you want to avoid a gritty texture.
Vanilla extract: Softens the sweetness with a warm, classic flavor. Real vanilla is best but imitation works in a pinch.
Purple and blue food coloring: These bring your frosting to life, creating the magical unicorn vibes you want.
Sprinkles (optional): Because no Unicorn Bars are complete without a little extra sparkle on top! Use your favorite colorful sprinkles for that wow factor.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the occasion—it’s so flexible. You can easily tweak flavors, colors, or even make it dietary friendly with just a few swaps!

Gluten-free version: I’ve had great luck swapping the funfetti cake mix for a gluten-free brand, just watch the bake time as it might vary slightly.
Different flavor frostings: Sometimes I mix in a little lemon zest or almond extract to the frosting for a fresh twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla base.
Vibrant color combos: Instead of just purples and blues, I’ve played around with pinks and teals to match party themes. Just remember to use gel food coloring to avoid watering down the frosting.
No cream cheese option: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try a simple buttercream frosting. It’s lighter but still wonderfully sweet and easy to spread.

How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Batter with a Touch of Magic

Start by melting the butter and letting it cool slightly—that little step helps it blend smoothly without cooking the egg when mixed. In a large bowl, whisk together your funfetti cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until you have a smooth, glossy batter. Don’t overmix here; just blend until combined to keep the texture tender and light. I usually stop as soon as the last flour streak disappears.

Step 2: Baking the Bars to Perfection

Pour your batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish for even edges. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting at 25 minutes and use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake; you want them moist and soft.

Step 3: Whipping Up That Unicorn Frosting

While the bars cool, get to your frosting. Beat your cream cheese and butter together until creamy and fluffy—that usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed, and it really makes a big difference in texture. Gradually add powdered sugar, blending on low to avoid a sugar cloud, then add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla extract, then divide the frosting into separate bowls to tint with purple and blue food coloring. Use gel colors for vibrant shades without thinning your frosting.

Step 4: Frosting Like a Funfetti Pro

Spread your two frosting colors on the cooled bars in fun swoops or swirls side-by-side to create that magical gradient. Top generously with sprinkles to finish the look. If you want to get fancy, I sometimes use a piping bag to swirl the colors together — it’s a quick way to amp up the unicorn vibe with little extra effort.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe

The image shows several white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl, at the top left, is filled with white whipped cream covered in red, white, and blue round sprinkles. Next to it, on the right, is a smaller bowl with a light yellow liquid. Below these, near the center, a white plate holds a block of cream cheese and a brown egg side by side. To the left of the plate is a bowl filled with white powder, likely flour or powdered sugar. Underneath, another bowl contains a thick, crumbly white substance. At the bottom right, there are two small bowls side by side; one with a fine white powder and the other with more of the red, white, and blue sprinkles. The whole setup is neat and the ingredients stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, the sprinkles are non-negotiable—they add that burst of color and crunch that screams celebratory. I like to use a mix of pastel confetti and a few metallic silver or gold stars to elevate the look. Sometimes edible glitter joins the party if it’s a very special occasion.

Side Dishes

Since these bars are pretty rich and sweet, I often pair them with something light like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. If you’re serving at a brunch or afternoon gathering, iced coffee or sparkling lemonade are my go-to drinks to cut through the sweetness and refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I love cutting these bars into small bite-sized squares and serving them on a colorful platter with edible flowers for that whimsical effect. You can also layer the bars in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and sprinkles between layers for a stunning unicorn dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I keep the bars covered tightly in the fridge in an airtight container. The frosting holds up really well, and they stay moist for up to 4 days. If you want to maintain the best texture, bring them to room temperature before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars without frosting and then added the frosting once they thawed—it’s the best way to keep everything fresh. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheating these bars is simple: a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds warms them up nicely without melting the frosting. This step makes them taste like they’re fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While funfetti cake mix gives the classic sprinkle look and sweet vanilla flavor, you can substitute with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet to customize your bars. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly depending on the mix you use.
How do I keep the frosting from getting too runny?

To keep the frosting thick and spreadable, use powdered sugar rather than granulated, avoid adding too much heavy cream at once, and opt for gel food colorings instead of liquid. If it does get runny, just pop it into the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before spreading.
Can I make the Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Just check that your cake mix is dairy-free too. The bars might have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftover bars if I’m bringing them to a party?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge and keep them chilled until ready to serve. If traveling, pack them in a cooler bag with ice packs to keep the frosting fresh and the bars firm.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! The bars can be baked a day or two before you want to serve. Keep them un-frosted in an airtight container at room temperature or cooled, then add the frosting just before your event for the freshest look and taste.

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly a little obsessed with how this Funfetti Cake Mix Unicorn Bars Recipe turned out—it’s like a celebration you can slice up and share. It’s simple, colorful, and absolutely dependable when you want a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these bars are a fun, festive way to brighten your day or any occasion. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a fast favorite in your repertoire too!