Chewy Chocolate-Coconut Joy Bars

By Reen

Pampered Chef

Ingredients

• 1 c. sliced almonds
• 1-14 oz bag sweetened flaked cooconut, divided
• 1 c. flour
• 3/4 c. packed light brown sugar, divided
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 c. butter, melted
• 1 9oz devil's food cake
• 1 egg
• 1/3 c. water
• 1 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided
• toasted sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400
Finely chop almonds, combine almonds, 1 c. coconut, flour, 1/2 c. brown sugar and baking soda, mix well.
Add butter; mix until crumbly. Press crumb mixture evenly into bottom of large jelly roll pan or 9x13.
Bake 8-10 mins or until light golden brown.
Remove pan from oven and place on cooling rack.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, remaining brown sugar, egg and water. Whisk 1 minute or until smooth.
Pour batter of hot crust; carefully spread to edges.
Sprinkle batter evenly with 1/2 c. chocolate morsels and remaining coconut.
Bake 10-12 mins or until coconut is toasted.

Place remaining 3/4 c. chocolate morsels in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until mostly melted, stiring every 20 seconds. Drizzle chocolate over toasted coconut topping.
Garnish with toasted sliced almonds