Name: Tosi’s Tangy Lemon Bars
Ingredients: 1 box lemon cake mix (15oz); 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter melted; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup lemon crust from above; ½ pound cream cheese at room temperature; 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 lemons zested and juiced; ** confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Tosi’s Tangy Lemon Bars

One bite of a lemon bar and your day is instantly better. We’ve done extensive tests of this theory, specifically during last-minute 5pm meetings…on Fridays. It’s the nostalgic all-American cookie that’s the perfect lil’ pick-me-up you need.

Tosi’s never found a filling she likes more than one boosted by lemon cake mix. That’s because the combo of lemon cake mix crust with smooth cream cheese and tangy lemon juice + zest creates that lush fudgy texture and perfectly bright lemon flavor—that makes everyone reach for this tray of bars.

Sprinkle some magic (aka confectioner’s sugar) on top, and you’ll have the perfect tangy treat to bring to outdoor feasts and picnics. Even if that picnic’s on the floor in your living room.

Makes 2 Dozen 2-Inch Squares

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Tosi’s Tangy Lemon Bars

The Crust

STEP 1

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.

STEP 2 (MAKE THE CRUST)

Beat together the cake mix, butter, and egg in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a mixing bowl, using a large wooden spoon) until homogenous. Scoop out one-third cup of the mixture and reserve for the filling. Dump the rest into the prepared dish and use your hands to press it firmly and evenly over the bottom.

Next: The Filling Recipe