Strawberries & Cream Dessert

I found a dessert from Betty Crocker to use up some of those cookie mix pouches(other than just making cookies) that I got on sale for 50 cents that I have been in my pantry for a bit!! At the same time, I am able to use an "in season fruit"--strawberries.(look here for more yummy strawberry recipes). I am sure that you could use a homemade sugar cookie recipe to make the crust of this scrumptious dessert. I have used the oatmeal cookie mix and the sugar cookie mix with great results. My personal favorite of the two mixes though is the sugar cookie mix. I might try this dessert with blueberries or raspberries later this summer!

Strawberries & Cream Dessert

Crust:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine, softened
1 egg

Filling:
1 cup white vanilla baking chips (6 oz)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Topping:
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
10 to 12 drops red food color, if desired


DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 15x10x1- or 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Press evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in melted chips until blended. Spread mixture over crust. Refrigerate while making topping.

In small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in food color(if desired). Cool 10 minutes. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups strawberries. Spoon topping over filling. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set; serve within 4 hours. Store covered in refrigerator.

This post is linked at:

Mouthwatering Mondays at From the Land of Monkeys and Princesses!

Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday over at Blessed with Grace!

I am Blissfully Domestic at Blissfully Domestic!

**photo courtesy of Betty Crocker because I forgot to take a picture before it was all inhaled!