Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Bars

Serves: 9 x 13 pan

Ingredients

CRUST:

1 roll of Nestles Chocolate Chip Cookie dough (or whatever brand you prefer)

FILLING:

1 c chocolate chips (6 oz.)

1 pkg cream cheese, softened (8 oz.)

TOPPING:

4 c sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 c sugar

2 Tbsp cornstarch

1/3 c water

10 to 12 drops of red food coloring (opt.)

Directions

1

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom only of a 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan or a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.. Press cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

2

In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the baking chips uncovered on high for 45 - 60 seconds or until the chips are melted and can be stirred, till smooth.

3

In a 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 the topping.

4

In a small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries. In a 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Stir in the food coloring (optional). Cool for 10 minutes. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups of strawberries. Spoon topping over filling.

5

Refrigerate for an hour or until it sets. Refrigerate the leftovers, covered. 

 

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.