Coconut-Spice Bars

Coconut-Spice Bars

Ingredients
Batter:
1 package (18.25 ounces) spice cake mix
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
Frosting:
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk or evaporated skim milk
3/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
5 large egg yolks
3 cups sweetened flake coconut (from 14-ounce bag)
1-1/2 cups pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with
nonstick cooking spray.

2. Batter: In large bowl, mix together cake mix, butter, egg and milk.
Beat until thick but smooth, 2 minutes. Spread in prepared pan.

3. Bake in 350 degree F oven until toothpick inserted in center of cake
comes clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack.

4. Frosting: Meanwhile, in medium-size saucepan, stir together sugar,
evaporated milk, butter and egg yolks. Bring to simmer over medium heat,
stirring constantly; simmer, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans, cinnamon and cloves.

5. Pour frosting over lightly cooled bar; smooth frosting to edges of
pan. Let cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 36 bars and serve
immediately. Or store bars in airtight container at room temperature for
up to 3 days. Makes 32 bars.