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It’s cold outside and I am dreaming about summer and sunshine. What is it about lemon bars that make you feel all warm and happy inside? Apparently I am not the only one who bakes up lemon bars during the dreary month of January. I have seen quite a few versions floating around blog land this week. And here I thought I was being all sneaky like last Sunday when I threw these lemon cake bars in my oven. I think all food bloggers think alike…for the most part that is.
So supposedly there is a flu epidemic going around the country. My kids have been fairly healthy…just a few colds here and there. I hope everyone in your households have been staying healthy too.
The other day my husband and I went to visit a lady from our church in the hospital. We stopped at the front desk to find out what room she was in. The girl looked us over really good, and then proceeded to tell us the hospital was closed to anyone but close family due to the flu restrictions. Lucky for us, clergy is also allowed in the building. I think that might have stunned her for a minute. But then she kept going and telling us that children were not allowed under ANY circumstance in the building. We just shook our heads and agreed with her.
As we walked away, we both just started to laugh. Did she know something we did’t because the last time I checked no one else was with us. Nope, no kids at all. I stopped and look around because I was SURE some child had wandered into the building and must be standing near us. I mean why else would she lecture us about children coming in? As we waited for the elevator I did my scan of the room again…nope, still no children anywhere near us. I’m thinking she thought we were suspicious looking and had a child hidden under our coat or in my giant purse.
Either that, or my make up was doing an extremely good job that day, and I looked like I was under the age of 18. My husband just kind of snorted when I said that. Fine…just burst this 36 year old’s dreams of still looking young.
As we rode up the elevator, my husband asked me what I thought would happen if you really would try to sneak a child into a hospital room. I’m pretty sure there would be alarms, bells, and whistles screaming through the hallways. Then the metal gates would probably drop from the ceiling cutting off all hopes of escape. Bottom line..don’t even mention the word “kid” in the building. That could get you under surveillance pretty quickly!
In all seriousness, I do understand the need to be very careful when the flu is going around. We just got a good laugh at the lady at the front desk and how insistent she was about no children when we didn’t have any with us.
Maybe if this lady had some super sweet lemon cake bars with sprinkles for her lunch break, she would have been in a happier mood.
These magic bars start with a lemon cake mix dough that is pressed into a pan. Then in true magic bar fashion there are five layers of ingredients baked into the cake mix crust. I think my favorite layer is the sprinkle coating. Sprinkles just make me so happy, and I try to use them any chance I get. If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth, this bar is for you. Using a lemon cake mix keeps it from being a tart and citrus bar. It has a very subtle lemon flavor that pairs very well with the white chocolate and coconut layers.
And as with all magic bars, these are very sweet. I seriously could eat the sweetest and richest dessert without batting an eyelash. My sweet tooth has had years of experience. My husband on the other hand declared these bars too sweet for his liking. Just thought you might like to know they rate high on the sweet chart. They also rate very high in the cheery happy dessert chart.
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Lemon cake mix topped with layers of sweet goodness to create a magic bar
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix, butter, egg, and lemon juice until it forms a soft dough. Press into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Layer the white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and coconut on the dough. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering everything as much as possible. Top with sprinkles.
- Bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.
Here are some more easy recipes using cake mixes…
click on the picture to go to the recipe.
PEPPERMINT PATTY GOOEY CAKE BARS
LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE
NUTELLA MARSHMALLOW BARS
Shared on: Creative Thursday, Chic & Crafty, Inspiration Gallery, I’m Lovin It, One Creative Weekend, Friday Flair, Weekend Potluck, What’s Shakin, Sh0w & Tell, Super Sweet, Seasonal Inspiration, Finding the Pretty, Time Out, Open Call, Tasteful Tuesday, Talent Show, Sundae Scoop, Sweet Confessions,
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Jocelyn is the baker, photographer, and writer behind Inside BruCrew Life. She is married to her best friend, and they have three great kids. She spends her days baking sweet treats, and then trying to find ways to give the treats away without eating them all. Grab a cup of coffee and visit while she shares life from their kitchen.
I’ll take lemon any day of the week … January or not! These look SO stinkin’ good … pinning right now!
keri @ shaken together recently posted..{create this} rustic Valentine’s vignette ~ my entry way decor
With all the dreary days, we needed a fun and bright dessert!!! Thanks for the pin love!
Yum! These look SO good Jocelyn! Love them and pinned them! Angie xo
Angie@Echoes of Laughter recently posted..Valentine’s Love From The Oven
Thank you so much Angie!!!
Your photos are gorgeous. And I’ve been thinking about these bars all week, since I first saw that photo. I LOVE your mug! That’s pretty funny about the lecture. And um, you don’t need to brag that you’re only 36. This is the big year for me. And I think I just threw up a little.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Vanilla Bean Valentine’s Cookies with Chocolate Hearts
hahahaha! Your comment totally made me giggle! You are too much! You don’t look your age at all girl! Keep working it!!!
Your lemon bars do look so cheerful and yummy, especially with the sprinkles on top! Hope you all continue to stay well:)
Sue {munchkin munchies} recently posted..Kickoff {mini football} Cookie Bites
January needed some color and sprinkles to help us get through!!!
OBSESSED with these bars, Jocelyn!! I love me some lemon desserts and the fact that you added coconut and white chocolate chips makes these the ULTIMATE heavenly bar for me! Plus, love the sprinkle addition, as always!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Peanut Butter & Jelly 7-Layer Bars
I knew you would like all the sprinkles on top!!! The white chocolate and coconut was probably my favorite part of the bar!!!
I love that you used cake mix! And marshmallows and coconut. Oh yum, these are my new favs!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Candy Buttons
With all the fun magic bar twists out there, it was fun trying to come up with something different! And cake mix crusts are always a fun easy way to twist something!!!
Your pics are GORGEOUS, Jocelyn! I love lemon anything!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Easy Lemon Chicken
Thank you so much Ashley!! I’m glad you liked them!!!
I’ve seen a couple lemon bar recipes being blogged, but yours are the prettiest so far
I have total cabin fever, it’s below zero out now so it’s no surprise there! These looks amazing as always! And thanks for the laugh!!
Michelle Muckala recently posted..Turnaround Tuesday – Week One – I know there is some energy around here somewhere…
Awe thanks Michelle. Below zero there huh? That’s not even right!!! Stay warm friend!!!
I’m not a huge lemon fan, but these are so pretty!
As for the lady, I vote that she thought you were looking extra young. For sure.
Karly recently posted..Creamy White Queso Dip – No Velveeta Needed!
Want to know a little secret? I don’t really like lemon stuff either….sssshhhh don’t tell anyone! I might get beaten for posing as a lemon lover
Ooh I LOVE lemon bars–but never thought of adding chocolate, sprinkles, etc.. sounds amazing!!
Annie recently posted..I Was on TV with Ryan Gosling (and What I Wore Wednesday)
Thanks Annie. Chocolate and sprinkles definitely makes anything amazing!!!
Yum these look amazing! And I just love your photography!
Chloe recently posted..Craft Paint Organization
Now you’ve got me craving something sweet and lemony to make me all happy inside!! These look awesome!
Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More recently posted..Simple Turkey Taco Skillet
These sounds awesome. Love all the sprinkles on top!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie recently posted..Meyer Lemon Shortcakes with Meyer Lemon Curd
Coming over to say HI and {SQUEEEEE!} from Weekend Potluck! These lemon bars are TOO stinkin’ sunshiney for words. Love sprinkles, love lemon and LOVE the happy Spring time thoughts this post produced in this weary winter brain of mine.
Hugs! T
I love how cheery and bright these bars are! Yum!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet recently posted..How To Make Sugar Hearts
Maybe she sees ghosts! Hmmm… Or she was just nuts. I am making lemon bars this weekend too. I think you are right, we all just need a break from the dull gray winter. Yours look way more fun and festive than mine.
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking recently posted..Basic White Bread
i LOVE lemon. and i LOVE sprinkles. so this is definitely a win win!
Lisa @hoopla palooza recently posted..football fudge on a marshmallow field
oh YUM! lemon bars are some of my faves!
teresa recently posted..Greek Yogurt Blueberry Banana Bread
I’m a sucker for anything with sprinkles–these included! yum!
Michelle@yagottahaveahobby recently posted..Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili
These look fab! Absolutely love the sprinkles, sprinkles make everything a million times better
Tash @ The Velvet Moon Baker recently posted..PB & Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
I love baking with citrus year round, in fact I just bought a lots of blood oranges yesterday with a cake in mind. Now, i’m thinking, maybe blood orange bars? why not??
Roxana | Roxana’s Home Baking recently posted..Bread Baking 101 – Types of flour and how to accurately measure flour
oh my, they are adorable and sound delicious! I love lemon it’s so fresh and light.
Steph
swtboutique.com
stephanie recently posted..Super Sweet Saturday 22
All those colors remind me of my days spent in love with Rainbow Brite! I love them they are so colorful, happy and they look delicious too!
Yes, these do have Rainbow Brite all over them…such a blast from the past to think about that!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
I feel warmer already! It is so cold here this week. Nothing says summer to me like lemon anything! Thank you for sharing.
I’m stopping by from Melt in your Mouth Monday.
Jen B recently posted..Open-Faced BBQ Burgers
I agree…warm sunny lemon treats make it feel more summer like. Well, until I step outside and realize it’s only 14* here today! Bring on the summer!!!!
WHAT the WHAT? Those sprinkles make it look almost too pretty to eat! Yum!!! Erin
Erin Branscom recently posted..Menu Monday: What’s for dinner?
Almost too pretty to eat…but I didn’t have any problem cutting into the pan of these yummy bars!!!
These would bring cheer to any gray winter day! So fun with the sprinkles added!
Laurie @ Simply Creating Home recently posted..LOVE Letters Valentine’s Decor
Thank you! These have cheered my gloomy trudge through themelty slushy snow to do school run morning!!! I don’t really do cake mix things. (cake box mixes aren’t common here) but I really want to try my own take on these! Will let you know if it works!
Ruth @ AtNumber 29 recently posted..4: Ice decorations
A cup of coffee would go great with these. I’m currently hosting a giveaway to win a $20 Starbucks gift card and would love for you to enter! http://sarahsaturdiy.blogspot.com/2013/01/love-is-in-air-giveaway.html
I love lemon and I am crazy about the fact that you made magic bars with lemon! Yum! It just makes me happy, especially when it’s like 9 degrees here today! So how big was your purse anyway???? Could you have fit a small child???? Funny mental image. Thanks for sharing at One Creative Weekend!
Tanya Schroeder recently posted..Vanilla Vinaigrette over Mixed Greens and Pomegranates
haha! My purses are big, but not big enough to hide a child in
That is a funny picture!
These are seriously needed in the Winter to battle all this gloomy weather! Great idea! I am way behind on my ‘magic bars’ but his might be a great place to start!
Mackenzie
cheeriosandlattes.com
I am willing to try almost anything to brighten up this cold, dreary winter. Sprinkles seem to help though!!! Definitely start with the magic bars again…they are amazing!
These look amazing.
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above recently posted..Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop 36 and Giveaway
Can someone tell me when you add the sprinkles? Before or after you bake? After the SC milk?
I’m sorry about that. Yes, the sprinkles go on top of the sweetened condensed milk before you bake it. I will fix the recipe. Thank you for letting me know.
Would the lemon bars still be good if I freeze them for a week?
I think they would be fine frozen and thawed out. I can’t say for sure since I haven’t tried it. Let me know how it works for you:-)