Lemon Cheese Bars
1 package white cake mix
2 eggs, divided
5 T. melted butter (I used 6 T.)
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 T. fresh lemon juice (I used 1 WHOLE juicy lemon)
2-3 t. grated lemon zest
1/2 c. granulated sugar
Grease and flour a 13x9” baking pan or spray with baking spray with flour. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cake mix with 1 egg, the melted butter, and coconut until well blended. The mixture will be crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside. Pat the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and the remaining egg, scraping the bowl once. Beat just until well blended. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator.