Malted Milk Funfetti Bars Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup malted milk powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup rainbow jimmie sprinkles

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring theres an overhang on all sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, and melted butter together until smooth.
3. Crack the egg into the bowl, add the vanilla extract and almond extract, and mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, malted milk powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and just set. The center should remain gooey while the edges start to firm up.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 16 squares.

Cooks Note: These bars are meant to be soft and gooey in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as the edges can become too firm if baked for too long.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 268
• Fat: 11g (14% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (29% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 30mg (10% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 187mg (8% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g (15% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 3g (6% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 46mg (4% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 161mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic flavor of malted milk powder with the fun, colorful addition of sprinkles. These bars feature crispy edges and a gooey, chewy center that has made them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Not only do they offer a unique twist on the traditional dessert bar, but they also carry a rich cultural history and a fascinating evolution, influenced by regional preferences and global trends.

Origin and History

The origin of Malted Milk dates back to the late 19th century. It was originally developed by James Horlick in England, who formulated the powder as a nutritional supplement for infants. However, it quickly gained popularity as a beverage mix and was later used in various food products, including candy and desserts. The introduction of Funfetti cake mix in the 1980s, a product known for its vibrant sprinkles, merged with malted milk powder in this recipe, creating an innovative twist on traditional dessert bars. The combination of these two ingredients resulted in a fun, flavorful treat that remains a modern classic.

Regional Variations

While the Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a product of American culinary creativity, the use of malted milk powder itself is widespread. In the United Kingdom, malted milk powder is a popular addition to drinks and baked goods, often paired with biscuits and cakes. In the United States, the concept of "Funfetti" originated as a pre-made cake mix, designed to make it easier for home bakers to create colorful desserts. These regional influences come together in this dessert, blending European malted milk and American cake trends into one delicious bar. Though widely enjoyed across the U.S., the bars are also gaining attention in other countries, thanks to the global spread of American baking culture.

What Sets Them Apart?

What makes Malted Milk Funfetti Bars stand out from other similar treats is the unique combination of malted milk powder and rainbow sprinkles. Unlike traditional chocolate chip bars or sugar cookies, these bars feature a malted flavor that gives them a slightly sweet, nutty taste. Additionally, the inclusion of sprinkles adds a festive touch, making them ideal for celebrations and casual get-togethers. While other funfetti desserts use cake mixes or frosting, these bars focus on the simplicity of dough, providing a more dense, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy edges.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Malted Milk Funfetti Bars are a versatile treat that can be served at a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a casual family gathering, or a holiday event, these bars make an excellent choice for a sweet snack. They are also a favorite at bake sales, potlucks, and school events due to their easy-to-serve nature and colorful appearance. Additionally, their playful and colorful design makes them a hit among children, though adults also enjoy the nostalgic taste of malted milk powder combined with the chewy center and crisp edges.

Fun Facts About Malted Milk Funfetti Bars

• Despite their recent popularity, Malted Milk Funfetti Bars have been around for decades, as malted milk powder has been a staple ingredient in many American homes since the early 20th century.
• In some recipes, the bars can be "veganized" by substituting traditional ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
• These bars can be customized with different types of sprinkles or even add-ins like white chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even crushed cookies to create a unique flavor profile.
• Funfetti desserts became mainstream after the release of the Funfetti cake mix by Pillsbury in the 1980s, which forever changed the way sprinkles were incorporated into desserts.

FAQ about Malted Milk Funfetti Bars Recipe

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