Frosted Gretas

Makes 16 bars

2 sticks butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup neutral oil

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ cup whole milk

About 3 tablespoons of sprinkles (optional)

Heat the oven to 350ºF. Grease and line a 9x13 pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the butter, and sugar until smooth. Stir in the eggs, oil and vanilla and stir until smooth. Measure the dry ingredients on top, toss them to combine then fold into the wet batter below until smooth. Stir in the mix and mix just until combined. 

Spread the dough evenly across the prepped pan and bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on the sides but still a little light in the center. 

Cool completely in the pan. While the bars are cooling, make the Birthday Frosting (recipe below). When the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the whole thing. Top with sprinkles if desired. Cut the bars into 16 pieces. 

Birthday Frosting

1 stick butter, softened

¼ cup shortening

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon corn syrup

1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract

1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar

½ teaspoon kosher salt

A few drops of food coloring, if desired

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with a spatula) beat the butter, shortening, and cream cheese until smooth. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and mix until combined. Add the confectioners’ sugar and salt and food coloring if you are using and mix until smooth. Switch to a whisk and get as much air into the mix as your bicep can stand— this fluffy white mixture doesn’t mix itself! When the frosting is smooth and silky it is ready to top the cooled Greta’s.