Recipe: Coconut Cream Bars (using pudding mix)

COCONUT CREAM BARS

FOR THE BARS:
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes butter, softened, divided use
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant coconut cream pudding mix
FOR THE FROSTING:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup flaked coconut (for topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.

Combine brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter in 3-quart mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 minute). Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Reduce speed to low; add flour, oats and (dry) pudding mix. Beat until well mixed (1 minute). Spread mixture into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 23 to 27 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Combine powdered sugar and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in small mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Add enough milk for desired spreading consistency.

Spread frosting over cooled bars; sprinkle with coconut.

Makes 24 bars
Source: Bars & Cookies, Land O Lakes #69, June 2001