Baking is often about comfort, nostalgia, and a little bit of joy sprinkled in. I recently had one of those moments where I stumbled across a box of rainbow sprinkles, and a sudden wave of excitement washed over me.
I was instantly reminded of birthday parties, family celebrations, and all the sweet treats that bring a smile to your face. That’s when I knew I had to make something special—a dessert that would combine the richness of cheesecake with the whimsy of Funfetti.
It was like finding the perfect recipe for a celebration, even if it wasn’t anyone’s birthday. The rich, creamy filling paired with a buttery crust, topped off with colorful sprinkles—what could be better? Every bite feels like a mini celebration. These Funfetti Cheesecake Bars were born from that moment of pure inspiration, and now I want to share that happiness with you.
The process is simple, yet it results in a dessert that’s nothing short of spectacular. From the first taste of the smooth, tangy cheesecake to the delightful crunch of the crust and the playful pop of rainbow sprinkles, each bite is a reminder of the little joys that make life so sweet. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re planning a party, hosting a family gathering, or just want a special treat for yourself. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Short Description
Funfetti Cheesecake Bars are a colorful, creamy treat that brings together the best of cheesecake and funfetti cake flavors. A buttery Golden Oreo crust is topped with a creamy cheesecake filling and finished off with a sprinkle of rainbow fun. Simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups Golden Oreo crumbs (or graham crackers)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Tools Needed
- 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the Golden Oreo crumbs (or graham crackers) with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated, and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, using the back of a spoon to compact it firmly. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Funfetti
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling. Be careful not to overmix so the sprinkles don’t bleed their color too much.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After it has cooled, refrigerate the bars for 2-4 hours to allow them to firm up and set properly.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 squares, and enjoy the colorful, creamy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Creamy: The cheesecake filling is smooth, tangy, and velvety, paired perfectly with the buttery crust.
Simple to Make: This dessert is surprisingly easy to put together, with minimal effort and a delightful result.
Fun and Festive: The rainbow sprinkles bring a burst of color and a playful touch to any occasion.
Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, these bars are a hit with everyone.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Crust Too Crumbly: If your crust is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together, make sure you’ve used enough butter and pressed it firmly into the pan. You can also add an extra tablespoon of butter to help it stick.
Overmixing the Filling: Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles. Overmixing can cause the colors to run, resulting in a less vibrant bar.
Underbaking: The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when done. If the center is too liquid, bake it for a few more minutes.
Overbaking: If overbaked, the cheesecake will crack. Be sure to watch it closely during the last few minutes of baking.
Improper Cooling: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This will prevent condensation from forming on top, keeping the texture perfect.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serving Style: These bars are perfect for a potluck or a dessert buffet—easy to serve and loved by all. You can also serve them as individual portions on small plates.
Pairing Drinks: Pair these bars with a light, fruity drink like lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing treat. For a more indulgent option, a glass of chilled milk complements the creamy texture wonderfully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Store these Funfetti Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They stay fresh and delicious for several days.
Freezing: You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer them a little warmer, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but they’re just as delicious cold!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular Oreo crumbs instead of Golden Oreos?
Yes! You can swap Golden Oreos with regular Oreos for a more chocolatey flavor in the crust. It’ll still work beautifully.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option, though it may affect the texture slightly.
3. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?
Be sure to avoid overbaking and let the cheesecake cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent cracks.
4. Can I use a different type of sprinkle?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more uniform color or theme, you can use colored sprinkles that match your event.
5. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly and check for doneness.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a hand mixer for smooth and easy mixing. If you don’t have one, a whisk will work too, but be sure to beat the cream cheese well to avoid lumps.
– Add more sprinkles on top for an extra pop of color before serving!
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Funfetti Cheesecake Bars: Use chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) for the crust and add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a double-chocolate twist.
Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Bites: Make individual mini bars by using a mini muffin tin. Bake for about 20-25 minutes and refrigerate as usual for bite-sized treats.
Vegan Funfetti Cheesecake Bars: Swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative, the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), and the sour cream for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Making Funfetti Cheesecake Bars isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating something that sparks joy. The vibrant colors from the rainbow sprinkles give these bars a playful, celebratory vibe, perfect for birthdays or just a sweet pick-me-up. The buttery, golden Oreo crust paired with the creamy, tangy filling is the kind of combination that can make anyone smile after a long day. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dessert that looks as fun as it tastes?
What I truly appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add your personal spin, whether it’s by using a different type of cookie for the crust or adding extra sprinkles for that crunch. And while it’s certainly indulgent, this dessert never feels too heavy, making it the ideal treat for any occasion. The best part? No matter who tries it, they’ll always ask for the recipe!
Funfetti Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups Golden Oreo crumbs or graham crackers
- ¼ cup butter melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Stir together Golden Oreo crumbs and melted butter until fully coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust. Set aside.
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Blend in sour cream and vanilla until creamy.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Don’t overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–4 hours to firm up. Lift out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars and serve cold.
