Spectacular Strawberry Dessert

Submitted by looneytunesfan

"With pretty strawberries, a creamy filling and flaked coconut on top, it takes a little extra care to put together, but the results are well worth it."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 20
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 dash salt

• FILLING

• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 dash salt
• 3⁄4 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

• TOPPING

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 4 tablespoons flaked coconut, divided
• 1⁄2 cup heavy whipping cream
• of fresh mint (optional)
• additional sliced strawberry (optional)

directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar; beat in vanilla. Add flour and salt; mix well. With lightly floured hands, press onto a 7-1/2-in. pizza pan; build up edges slightly. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until edges and bottom are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gradually stir 2 tablespoons of hot filling into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla. Cool for 30 minutes without stirring. Pour over crust. Top with strawberries.
3. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons coconut until smooth. In another mixing bowl, beat cream on medium speed until soft peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture. Carefully spread over strawberries. Toast remaining coconut; sprinkle over topping. Garnish with mint and berries if desired. Chill for at least 4 hours.