Cream Puff Bars

My daughter asked for this recipe yesterday so I thought I'd put it here, too.  (I'll add a picture the next time I make it.)

My friend, Karen, served this one day when we lived in Iowa.  I had to get the recipe!  It tastes just like our favorite cream puffs but easier for serving a crowd.

One can make it with homemade vanilla pudding and fresh whipped cream if desired.

CREAM PUFF BARS

• 1 cup water
• 8 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs

• 2 packages instant vanilla pudding
• 2 1/2 cups cold milk

• 1 carton whipped topping (Cool Whip)

• chocolate syrup (like Hershey's)

In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a rapid boil.  Add flour and remove from heat. 

Add eggs, one at a time (not adding the next egg until each gets assimilated... which happens like magic).

Spread batter onto 10" x 15" jelly roll pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Cool.

Mix pudding and cold milk until thickened.  Spread over cooled crust.

Spread whipped topping on top.  Chill.

Cut into squares, drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.  (If desired, squares can be plated and the chocolate syrup offered on the side.)

Optional:  Similar recipes add 1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (room temp) to the pudding mixture.  Karen's original recipe did not include it and neither have I but it would be interesting.