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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" square pan or 11" x 7" pan.
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To make the crust: Place all of the crust ingredients in a mixing bowl, and beat at medium speed just until thoroughly combined.
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Press the mixture into the prepared pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, and set it aside to cool.
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To make the filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 cup of the sugar, and the vanilla, beating until smooth.
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In a small bowl, combine the pastry cream filling mix or instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk, stirring until thick and smooth.
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Add the pudding mix to the butter/sugar mixture, stirring to combine.
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Add the remaining sugar, and beat until the filling is smooth. Spread it over the cooled crust, cover, and refrigerate until chilled.
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To make the icing: Combine the chocolate and cream (or butter) in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Heat until the cream is steaming. Stir until smooth.
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Spread the frosting onto the bars. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
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Cut into small squares (about 1 3/4") or rectangles to serve. The bars will be very stiff when cold, but will soften quickly at room temperature.
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Store covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. These bars also freeze well.