Strawberry-Vanilla Cream Squares

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 sticks margarine (3/4 cup)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 8 oz. carton Cool-Whip, thawed
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup confectioner sugar
2 pkg (4 servings each) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine flour, softened margarine, and 1/2 cup pecans, blending well. Spread in bottom of ungreased 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool completely.
  3. In bowl combine cream cheese and confectioner sugar, beating until smooth. Fold in HALF of the Cool Whip. Spread over the cooled crust and refrigerate.
  4. Combine pudding and milk, beating until it thickens. Fold in the strawberries. Spread this over the cream cheese layer. Spread remaining Cool Whip over pudding and sprinkle with nuts.
  5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours prior to serving.
Serves 10-12.