If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of childhood joy and celebration, look no further than these Cake Batter Bars with Buttercream Frosting. Picture soft, sweet bars that taste just like cake batter, topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that adds an extra layer of indulgence. These colorful delights are perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
The beauty of Cake Batter Bars lies not only in their delightful flavor but also in their simple preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that both kids and adults will love. Topped with a glossy layer of buttercream frosting and studded with rainbow sprinkles, they’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face. Plus, you can customize them for any occasion by changing up the sprinkles, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Cake Batter Bars
- Simple and Quick: With a total time of just 43 minutes, these bars are ready to satisfy your sweet cravings in no time.
- Fun and Festive: Vibrant rainbow sprinkles not only enhance the visuals but also the fun, making these bars perfect for celebrations.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of white chocolate chips and a creamy buttercream topping creates a rich flavor that resonates with sweet lovers.
- Flexibility: Modify the choice of sprinkles or add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Suitable for a vegetarian diet, these bars make it easy to indulge without compromise.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You will need a 9×9 inch baking pan lined with foil; this not only makes for easy removal but also simplifies cleanup. Make sure to spray the pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Gather the following tools: a mixing bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, another for whisking the dry ingredients, and a spatula for folding in the chocolate chips and sprinkles. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for precise ingredient amounts. A hand mixer or stand mixer will also make creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but you can use a whisk and elbow grease if that’s all you have!
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Butter, softened
- ¾ Cup White Sugar
- 1 Egg and 1 Egg Yolk
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips
- ½ Cup Rainbow Sprinkles
- ¾ Cup Butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ¼ Cups Confectioners’ Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring that it hangs over the edges for easy removal of the bars once baked. Spritz the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking to your delicious creation. This simple step sets the foundation for a stress-free baking experience.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. The goal is to incorporate air into the butter so that your bars will have a light, fluffy texture. Add in one egg and one egg yolk, together with the two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is combined perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. This step is essential as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help your bars rise uniformly during baking. Once mixed, gradually add this dry blend to your wet ingredients. Mix gently—just until everything is combined—to prevent overworking the batter.
Step 4: Fold in the Extras
Once your batter is well combined, go ahead and fold in the white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. This is where the fun begins! Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter for that light-hearted, colorful touch. Aim not to overmix at this point; you want those tasty bits to be intact and visibly scattered.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, using greased hands to press it evenly into the corners. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. When you press on the center, it should spring back slightly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the milk and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Slowly incorporate the confectioners’ sugar until fluffy and spreadable. Be sure to taste along the way; you can add a pinch of salt if desired to balance the sweetness.
Step 7: Frost and Finish
Once the bars are fully cooled, gently spread the buttercream over the top using an offset spatula or back of a spoon for a smooth finish. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles over the frosting. Cut the bars into squares using a sharp knife, then serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for an extra health boost.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutrients.
- Spices: Experiment with flavors like almond extract or a dash of cinnamon for a warm twist.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they can last up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Packing them in a colorful tin makes for a wonderful children’s party treat.
Tips
- To ensure they bake evenly, avoid opening the oven door frequently while they are baking.
- For a fully frosting-covered bar, double the frosting recipe if you love it extra sweet!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220 per bar
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 115mg
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free version of these Cake Batter Bars.
How should I store the Cake Batter Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They remain deliciously soft and fresh!
Can I freeze the Cake Batter Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have rainbow sprinkles?
No worries! You can use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other fun toppings you have on hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cake Batter Bars with Buttercream Frosting are a vibrant and indulgent dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Their easy preparation and customizable nature make them perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to fancy celebrations. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on the recipe—experiment with various sprinkles and mix-ins to create your unique twist. We encourage you to try making these bars, and when you do, let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!
Print
Delicious Cake Batter Bars with Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
A delightful treat that captures the essence of childhood joy and celebration.
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Butter, softened
- ¾ Cup White Sugar
- 1 Egg and 1 Egg Yolk
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips
- ½ Cup Rainbow Sprinkles
- ¾ Cup Butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ¼ Cups Confectioners’ Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring that it hangs over the edges for easy removal of the bars once baked. Spritz the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking to your delicious creation.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add in one egg and one egg yolk, along with the two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. Gradually add this dry blend to your wet ingredients. Mix gently.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles with a spatula.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, beat the softened butter until smooth for the frosting. Gradually add in the milk and vanilla extract, then incorporate the confectioners’ sugar until fluffy.
- Once the bars are cooled, spread the buttercream over the top and sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they can last up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 per bar
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Protein: 2 g