Malted Milk Funfetti Bars: A Festive Treat for Any Occasion
These Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a delightful twist on the classic funfetti treat. The addition of malted milk powder elevates the flavor, creating a sweet, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible dessert. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a cheerful afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get ready to bake up a batch of happiness!
Why You’ll Love These Malted Milk Funfetti Bars
* **Unique Flavor:** The malted milk powder adds a subtle, yet distinct, flavor that complements the sweetness of the funfetti. It’s a nostalgic flavor that many find comforting and delicious.
* **Festive and Fun:** The colorful sprinkles make these bars visually appealing and perfect for celebrations.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are easy to cut and transport, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or bake sales.
Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Bars:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup malted milk powder
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for topping
**For the Optional Glaze (highly recommended!):**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* ¼ cup milk (or more, as needed)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* Rainbow sprinkles, for topping
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later. Ensure the parchment paper fits snugly into the corners. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter. This extra step prevents the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be pale and airy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined. The almond extract really enhances the malted milk flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a more classic funfetti taste.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, malted milk powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor. The malted milk powder is the star of the show here, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
* Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Use a rubber spatula to fold the sprinkles in, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the colors to bleed and the sprinkles to dissolve.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for extra fun. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry bars.
Step 8: Cool the Bars
* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This usually takes about an hour. Cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting.
Step 9: Make the Glaze (Optional)
* While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bars but thin enough to spread easily. A thinner glaze will soak into the bars more, while a thicker glaze will sit on top.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
* Once the bars are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles. The sprinkles will adhere best when the glaze is still wet.
Step 11: Cut and Serve
* Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. A sharp knife works best for cutting clean squares. For extra neatness, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Malted Milk Funfetti Bars
* **Use Softened Butter:** Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter will not cream properly, resulting in a dense batter.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Use a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dry bars.
* **Use High-Quality Sprinkles:** High-quality sprinkles will retain their color better and won’t bleed into the batter as much. Jimmies or quins are good choices.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
* **For a Chewier Texture:** Slightly underbake the bars for a chewier texture. They should still be set around the edges.
* **To Prevent Sticking:** Make sure to thoroughly grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking.
* **Make Ahead:** These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Freezing Instructions:** You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the batter for extra richness.
* **Nuts:** Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as lemon, orange, or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
* **Colored Glaze:** Add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to create a festive, themed dessert.
* **Different Sprinkles:** Use different types of sprinkles, such as holiday-themed sprinkles or confetti sprinkles, to customize the bars for any occasion.
* **Malted Milk Balls:** Chop up some malted milk balls and add them to the batter for even more malted milk flavor.
* **Brown Butter:** Use browned butter instead of softened butter for a nuttier, more complex flavor. Be sure to let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to the sugar.
Serving Suggestions
* **Party Treat:** These bars are perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and other celebrations.
* **Lunchbox Snack:** Pack a bar in your child’s lunchbox for a sweet and fun treat.
* **Dessert with Ice Cream:** Serve a bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
* **Pair with Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a bar with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
* **Gift Giving:** Wrap a few bars in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per bar)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 7-9g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g
**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Store Malted Milk Funfetti Bars
* **Room Temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?**
A: Yes, you can use salted butter. However, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.
**Q: Can I use a different type of flour?**
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
**Q: Can I omit the almond extract?**
A: Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer. The vanilla extract will still provide a delicious flavor.
**Q: My bars are too dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dry bars. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and avoid overbaking.
**Q: My bars are too sticky. What did I do wrong?**
A: Underbaking the bars or not cooling them completely before frosting can result in sticky bars. Make sure to bake them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
**Q: Can I make these bars vegan?**
A: Yes, you can make these bars vegan by using vegan butter, an egg replacement (such as flax eggs or applesauce), and plant-based milk for the glaze. Ensure the sprinkles are also vegan-friendly.
**Q: What kind of sprinkles should I use?**
A: Jimmies (the long, thin sprinkles) and quins (the flat, round sprinkles) are both good choices. Avoid using nonpareils (the tiny, round sprinkles) as they tend to bleed their color more easily.
**Q: Can I double the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking pan (such as a 12×17 inch pan) and increase the baking time accordingly.
**Q: Can I add frosting to the bars without making the glaze?**
A: Yes, you can use any frosting you like. Vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or even a cream cheese frosting would all be delicious.
**Q: How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the bars?**
A: Toss the sprinkles with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the bars.
**Q: My glaze is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
**Q: My glaze is too thin. How can I thicken it up?**
A: Add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Get Ready to Bake!
These Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their unique flavor, festive appearance, and easy preparation, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of happiness! Enjoy!