Strawberries and Cream Bars (Print Version)

Layered dessert bars with sugar cookie crust, creamy white chocolate and cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberry topping.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crust

01 - 17.5 oz pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
02 - 1/2 cup butter, softened
03 - 1 large egg

→ For the Filling

04 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup white chocolate chips

→ For the Topping

06 - 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries (divided)
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
09 - 1/3 cup water

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg until a firm dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
02 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
03 - In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips for 45 to 60 seconds, or until melted. Stir until smooth.
04 - Stir the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled sugar cookie crust. Pop it in the fridge while you make the topping.
05 - In a small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the crushed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens.
06 - Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Spoon this mixture over the cream cheese filling.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set. Cut into bars and enjoy these fresh, creamy treats!

# Notes:

01 - Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
02 - The crust needs to be completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer.
03 - Don't skip the chilling time - it helps everything set up properly.
04 - These are perfect for spring and summer gatherings!
05 - Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor - frozen won't work as well in this recipe.

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