Houdini Bars

Ingredients:

1 package (18.25 oz) plain yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature (recipe calls for reduced-fat; I used full-fat)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup walnuts (original recipe called for pecans; either way, the nuts are optional)

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350F. Set aside a generously greased 9×13-inch pan.
Place the cake mix, butter, and one egg in a large mixing bowl and beat on low speed with an electric mixer until the ingredients are incorporated, about 1 minute. Press the batter into the bottom and partially up the sides of the baking pan (I used my hands) and set the pan aside.
Place the cream cheese in the same mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy, 30 seconds. Add the remaining 2 eggs and the vanilla and the confectioners’ sugar and beat on low speed until smooth and combined, about 1 minute. Fold in the coconut; pour mixture over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter the nuts, if you’ve chosen to use them.
Bake the bars until the edges are well browned and the center is firm to the touch, about 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer the baking pan to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes before cutting and serving (do not score the bars while still hot!)