Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a delightful explosion of color and flavor, perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. The rich malted milk powder adds a unique twist to the classic funfetti, while the rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate chips create a vibrant and festive look. Whether you’re baking for a party or just indulging in a mid-week treat, these bars are sure to impress with their fun and nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients Overview
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make these bars so special:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): A staple in baking, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for the bars. It’s versatile and works well in a variety of baked goods.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the bars rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount of salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the bars.
- Unsalted Butter, softened (1/2 cup): Softened butter adds richness and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sugar sweetens the bars and contributes to their golden color.
- Large Egg (1): The egg acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and adding richness.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to the bars.
- Malted Milk Powder (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, malted milk powder, gives these bars their unique, creamy flavor.
- Rainbow Sprinkles (1/2 cup): These colorful sprinkles not only add a fun visual element but also a slight crunch.
- White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): White chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess, complementing the malted milk powder perfectly.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s a detailed guide to making these delicious Malted Milk Funfetti Bars:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly from the moment they go into the oven.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. The parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour (1 1/2 cups), baking powder (1/2 teaspoon), and salt (1/4 teaspoon). Set this aside for now.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter (1/2 cup) and granulated sugar (3/4 cup) together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg (1 large) and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Malted Milk Powder: Gradually mix in the malted milk powder (1/2 cup). This is what gives the bars their distinct flavor.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher bars, so mix gently.
- Fold in the Funfetti and Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles (1/2 cup) and white chocolate chips (1/2 cup). This step should be done by hand to avoid crushing the sprinkles.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Malted Milk Funfetti Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the bars at the 20-minute mark. Look for lightly golden edges and a clean toothpick when inserted into the center.
- Cutting the Bars: For clean, sharp edges, let the bars cool completely before cutting. You can also chill them in the refrigerator for easier slicing.
Variations to Try
While the classic Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are delicious as is, here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Funfetti Bars: Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Funfetti Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
- Holiday Funfetti Bars: Customize the sprinkles to match the holiday or occasion (e.g., red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween).
- Vegan Funfetti Bars: Use plant-based butter, an egg substitute, and vegan white chocolate chips to make these bars vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Funfetti Bars: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- With Ice Cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- As a Party Favor: Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and wrap them in cellophane bags with a colorful ribbon for a cute party favor.
- At a Potluck: These bars are a hit at potlucks and gatherings. They’re easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Malted Milk Funfetti Bars (1 bar) contains approximately:
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
These bars are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I substitute the malted milk powder with something else?
- Yes, you can substitute malted milk powder with regular milk powder for a similar texture, but the unique malt flavor will be absent.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- You can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the bars.
- What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
- You can substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- How should I store these bars?
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be a great addition for extra crunch.
- How can I make these bars vegan?
- To make these bars vegan, use a plant-based butter, an egg substitute like flaxseed meal, and vegan white chocolate chips. Ensure the sprinkles are also vegan-friendly.
- What can I do if the bars turn out too dry?
- If the bars are too dry, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the batter.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- Can I use homemade sprinkles?
- Yes, homemade sprinkles work just as well. They add a personal touch to the bars and can be customized to any color or flavor you like.
Conclusion
Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are the perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration, offering a delightful burst of color and flavor in every bite. These bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion, from birthday parties to simple family treats. The unique addition of malted milk powder adds a rich, creamy depth that complements the sweet crunch of rainbow sprinkles and the smoothness of white chocolate chips. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to those who enjoy it.