Houdini Bars

Dessert named after the world's most famous magician?  Yes, they are that good.  MAGICALLY good.  So good they DISAPPEAR.  Believe me, they're not an ILLUSION.  A simple combination of boxed cake mix, cream cheese, coconut and a few other ingredients and ABRACADABRA!  You'll be CONJURING up all kinds of praise from your family and friends over these bars that taste part birthday cake, part cheesecake and part coconut cream pie.  A truly CHARMING combination. 

Ta-Da!

Houdini Bars
1 package yellow cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
3 eggs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9x13-inch pan and set aside.  Combine cake mix, melted butter and one egg with an electric mixer.  Press the mixture into the bottom, and partially up the sides of the prepared baking pan.  In the same mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until fluffy, about 30 seconds.  Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla.  Mix until smooth.  Add sifted powdered sugar and mix until smooth and combined.  Fold in coconut.  Pour mixture into pan, on top of cake batter mixture.  Smooth with a spatula and sprinkle with pecans.  Bake approximately 50 minutes, or until the edges are browned and center is firm to the touch.  Cool completely before cutting and serving.  Will keep best stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time:  Approximately 15 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 50 minutes