Unicorn Cake Mix Bars with Colorful Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving something fun, colorful, and absolutely delicious, you’re going to want to stick around because this Unicorn Cake Mix Bars with Colorful Frosting Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how these bars turn out — they’re moist, super easy to make, and that frosting? It’s so creamy and vibrant, your taste buds and eyes get a party all at once.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from using a boxed funfetti cake mix as your base — it guarantees that bright, colorful crumb with zero fuss. Plus, the frosting made with cream cheese and butter gives a silky, tangy contrast that you’ll adore. When you shop, try to pick high-quality dairy for that creamy kick.

• Funfetti cake mix: The star of the show—adds sprinkles and sweetness effortlessly.
• Egg: Binds everything together for that perfect bar texture.
• Salted butter: Melted for the batter and softened for the frosting—to enrich flavor.
• Heavy cream: Keeps the bars moist and the frosting spreadable.
• Cream cheese: Adds tang and creamy texture in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla extract: For a warm, comforting flavor that rounds everything out.
• Food coloring (purple and blue): To get those dreamy unicorn vibes in your frosting.
• Sprinkles (optional): Because, well, unicorns love their sprinkles!

Variations

I love customizing this recipe depending on the season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to mix it up — a little twist can make it feel brand new every time you bake it.

• Different Cake Mixes: Chocolate, lemon, or strawberry cake mixes work beautifully if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Frosting Flavors: I’ve swapped vanilla for almond or even added cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting twist.
• Dairy-Free: Try a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly option.
• Fun Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, I sometimes use mini chocolate chips or edible glitter for extra sparkle.

How to Make Unicorn Cake Mix Bars with Colorful Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper—it helps the bars release easy and keeps the edges intact. I like to extend the parchment a bit over the sides for perfect lifting after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the funfetti cake mix, one large egg, melted salted butter, and heavy cream. Don’t just dump and stir; I like to whisk gently until everything is just blended but don’t overmix or you’ll risk a denser bar. The batter is pretty thick but that’s what you want!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, but start checking at 20—insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean (no wet crumbs), you’re golden. Pull them out and let cool completely before frosting, trust me on this—warm bars will melt your frosting!

Step 4: Make the Colorful Frosting

Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until silky and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar in batches, beating well in between, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and not too stiff. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat again — add more cream if you need a spreadable consistency. Then split the frosting into two bowls and mix in purple and blue food coloring until you get those beautiful unicorn shades.

Step 5: Frost and Swirl

Spread the purple and blue frostings in alternating patches across the cooled bars. Use a spoon or spatula to gently swirl the colors together — swirl, don’t overmix to keep that dreamy unicorn effect. Finish with sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive. Then slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up.

How to Serve Unicorn Cake Mix Bars with Colorful Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about sprinkling on colorful nonpareils or edible glitter to match the fun frosting colors. Sometimes, I’ll add edible pearls or small candy stars for a little extra sparkle, especially when serving the bars at birthday parties.

Side Dishes

These bars pair perfectly with a simple glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more grown-up party, I like serving them alongside fruity mocktails or sparkling lemonade to keep the festive vibe going.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars on a tiered dessert stand with fresh flowers or pastel-colored napkins to make them pop. For kids’ parties, I’ve arranged them in rainbow-colored wrappers to amp up the unicorn fantasy. You can even pipe additional frosting rosettes on top for a bakery-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated when you’re not eating them. I store mine in an airtight container for up to 5 days, and they stay moist and delicious. Just remember to bring them to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these bars—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain that creamy frosting texture.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, I recommend skipping reheating. If you prefer a softer frosting feel, take the bars out about 30 minutes before eating. If you do want to warm them, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Unicorn Cake Mix Bars with Colorful Frosting Recipe is one of my favorite “go-to” desserts when I want to whip up something cheerful and crowd-pleasing without hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for birthdays, casual get-togethers, or whenever you need a pop of magic in your day. Give it a try — you’ll see, these bars bring smiles every time, and you might just find yourself making them on repeat like I do!

Print