These bars are truly outstanding. Satisfy your sweet tooth with these treats!

image: Jacqueline Hopkins

Margarita Cheesecake Bars
womansday.com

1 box lemon cake mix, prepared as box directs
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (grate lime peel first)
1 package (2 1⁄2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon freshly grated lime peel
Garnish: 1 lime

Heat oven to 350°. Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil, letting foil extend about 2 inches above pan at both ends. Coat foil with nonstick spray.

Spread cake batter in prepared pan. Bake as box directs. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Holding foil ends, lift from pan. Trim rounded top (hump) off cake with a long serrated knife until flat. Holding foil ends, return cake to pan.

Pour lime juice into a small saucepan; sprinkle with gelatin. Let stand 1 minute, then stir over low heat 3 minutes until gelatin completely dissolves. Remove from heat.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and lime peel in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed 2 minutes until fluffy. Slowly beat in gelatin mixture. Beat 1 minute to blend. Scrape onto cake, then spread evenly to edges. Refrigerate 1 hour to set, then cover loosely and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

To serve: Lift from pan. Cut in 42 bars (dip knife in hot water; wipe clean between cuts).

To garnish: With citrus zester, cut peel off lime. Cut lime in quarters lengthwise then crosswise in 11 slices. Top bars with lime and peel.

MF&L Staff at Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.