Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberry shortcake trifles is such a versatile dessert. The dessert can be made in a large parfait bowl or individual containers to display the layers of cake, strawberries, pudding and of course topped with whipped topping. This dessert is great for birthdays, holidays, or our famous Sunday dinners.

Lets Bake the Cake (or buy a frozen pound cake):

Ingredients:

1 box of cake mix (preferably white or vanilla)

4 eggs

1/2 cup of oil

1/2 cup of milk

2 tbsp vanilla pudding

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the eggs, oil, and milk to a bowl and combine. Add the box of cake mix to the mixture. Mix until well blended. Add the vanilla pudding and mix for 2 minutes. Add the mixture to 3 round, lined, and greased cake pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cake layers are done when a toothpick or skewer is placed in the middle of the cake is clean when removed. Once the cake is fully baked (do not over bake), remove from the oven and allow to cool for the minimum of 5 minutes. Remove the cake layers from the pans and allow to completely cool. While the cake is cooling lets make the cream filling.

Filing:

1 package vanilla pudding (remainder from the cake)

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

16 oz whipped topping (reserve 1 1/2 cups for the topping)

3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (whole milk works well too)

Directions:

Whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the whipped topping and blend for an additional 2 minutes. Add the vanilla pudding and blend for an additional 2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add the milk. Place in the refrigerator until the layers are ready for assembly.

Strawberries:

2 - 1 lb containers fresh strawberries, cleaned and sliced (add additional if you desire)

Assembly:

For a parfait bowl, place a cake layer on the bottom of the dish. Add fresh strawberries around the edges of the bowl (this step is totally optional but it creates a beautiful dessert). Add 3 spoonfuls (or enough to make a thin layer of filing - please add more if you desire to have a thicker layer or filing). Add a layer of strawberries. Repeat for the second layer. For the third layer, add the filing and top with the reserved whipped topping. Garnish with fresh strawberries.

Place the dessert into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Enjoy!!!