Unicorn Bars: A Magical Rainbow Treat

Introduction

Unicorn Bars are a delightful and eye-catching treat that’s perfect for parties, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of magic. These bars feature a rich and fudgy brownie base, topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and adorned with a vibrant rainbow of sprinkles. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make, making them a great baking project to do with kids.

Anecdotal Story

I first made these Unicorn Bars for my daughter’s birthday party, and they were a huge hit! The kids were mesmerized by the colorful sprinkles and the whimsical design. The bars disappeared in a flash, and I received countless requests for the recipe. These bars have become a staple for our celebrations, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who tries them.

Ingredient Descriptions

Brownie Layer

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownie base. Make sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
• White Chocolate: Gives the brownie base a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness. Use good quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownie base and contributes to its fudgy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the brownie base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and texture of the brownie base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the brownie base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownie base and balances the sweetness.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and a playful touch to the brownie base.

Buttercream Frosting

• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting. Make sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it its smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Red and Blue Food Coloring: Used to tint portions of the frosting blue and purple for the unicorn design. Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: Add a final touch of color and whimsy to the decorated bars.

Equipment/Tools

• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: For baking the brownie base.
• Parchment Paper (Optional): To line the baking dish for easy removal and cleanup.
• Saucepan: For melting the butter and white chocolate.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the brownie batter and the frosting.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For blending the ingredients together.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading the batter.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the brownie base.
• Cake Tester or Toothpick: To check for doneness.
• Decorator Bags (Optional): For piping the blue and purple frosting lines.
• Sprinkles: For decorating.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 10 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 drops red food coloring
• 3 drops blue food coloring
• ½ cup assorted rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brownie Layer

1. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F.
3. Place butter and chopped white chocolate in a saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Add in granulated sugar and stir until well-combined.
6. Add in eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each one is added.
7. Stir in all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla. Mix until well-combined.
8. Stir in the sprinkles.
9. Bake in a 325°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a mixing bowl with a hand mixer, beat butter for two minutes.
2. Slowly add in powdered sugar, alternating with cream, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream at a time.
3. Add in vanilla and beat until smooth. (About 2 minutes).
4. Set aside ½ cup of frosting and tint with blue food coloring.
5. Take half of the blue icing and place in a separate bowl. Add red food coloring to make purple icing.
6. Frost cooled bars completely with remaining white icing.
7. Place blue and purple icing in separate decorator bags.
8. Pipe diagonal blue lines across the blondies.
9. Pipe purple lines diagonally across going the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern.
10. Top with sprinkles and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Brownies are too dry: Make sure not to overbake the brownies. Check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
• Frosting is too thick: Add more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Tips and Variations

• Use different sprinkles: Get creative with the sprinkles! You can use different colors, shapes, and sizes.
• Add different flavors: You can add extracts like almond or peppermint to the brownie batter or the frosting.
• Make it chocolatey: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for the brownie base.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate or colored candy melts over the frosted bars for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
• Serve the bars as part of a dessert table for a party or celebration.
• Package the bars individually in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for gifts.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A glass of milk or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bars.
• Desserts: Serve the bars alongside other unicorn-themed treats like cupcakes, cookies, or cake pops.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the brownie base and make the frosting a day ahead of time. Assemble the bars the day you plan to serve them.
• How do I store leftover bars? Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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