Description
These colorful sprinkle bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, combining a soft, buttery base with vibrant sprinkles and a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Softened Unsalted Butter (can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor)
- 3 large Eggs (can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (consider almond extract for a unique twist)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (a gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (adjust quantity if using baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (sea salt can provide a subtle nuance)
- 1 cup Milk (non-dairy milk works well as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (pumpkin pie spice can also be utilized)
- 1 cup Colorful Sprinkles (use any vibrant sprinkles if specific Mardi Gras colors aren’t available)
- 1 cup Pearl Sugar (optional, can be replaced with coarse sugar or omitted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large eggs, one at a time, incorporating each fully before mixing in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the colorful sprinkles gently, then pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool the bars in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then blend in powdered sugar and milk until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled bars generously, then decorate with additional sprinkles and optional pearl sugar before slicing.
Notes
- These bars are great for parties and can be made in advance.
- Consider using festive colors for sprinkles based on the occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg