Spectacular Strawberry Dessert

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 dash salt
• 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
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 4 tablespoons flaked coconut, divided
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• fresh mint (optional)
• additional sliced strawberry (optional)

Recipe

• 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.