Frosted Strawberry Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
2. To a large bowl (or to the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), add the cake mix, butter, egg, and stir together by hand or beat with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed until all ingredients are combined. (Do not use the ingredients listed on the box or follow those directions because you are not making cake; use the ingredients and directions listed in my recipe.) Dough will be thick.
3. Turn dough out into prepared pan using your fingertips or a spatula to help press it into corners. Press lightly with a spatula to create an even, flat layer. It’ll be on the thiner side.
4. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until center is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter.
5. Allow bars to cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Make sure bars are completely cooled before frosting them or the frosting will melt.

Frosting

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment) add the cream cheese, butter, and beat with an electric mixer on high-speedy until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and beat until smooth and incorporated, about 2 minutes.
3. Turn frosting out over bars and spread into a smooth, flat layer using a spatula or knife.
4. Optionally add sprinkles, to taste.