Cheaters Strawberry Shortcake

It's mid March and the grocery store has brought in strawberries from Florida. Ahhhh, Spring is here at last. What better way to celebrate than with Strawberry Shortcake. This is my Spring version. Only a few ingredients and very little time involved. The decision to use sugar on the berries will depend on their natural sweetness. I find our local berries are generally sweeter than imported, simply because they are on the plant longer. This dessert looks beautiful when assembled as one cake. However, once you start to cut it.....the top layer slips because of the cream and berries. Therefore, I've chosen to cut into individual servings first, before assembling. Either way, it's yummy. Prep/Cooking Time does not include time for baking the cake.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 240  g  white cake mix (single layer)
• 3  cups strawberries, sliced
• 2  tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1 (1 liter) container Cool Whip, thawed (whipped cream can also be used)

Directions

1. Bake cake according to package instruction. Cool on a wire rack.
2. While the cake is cooling, gently toss the strawberry slices with sugar (if using). Let sit on the counter for 30 minutes. You'll also get some very nice juice to drizzle.
3. To serve, cut cake into individual serving size pieces. Then cut each piece horizontally into two layers.
4. Spread the bottom layer with Cool Whip. Top with some of the strawberries. Do not mound them, or the next layer will slide off.
5. Top with second layer of cake and press gently.
6. Add a large dollop of Cool Whip and garnish with more strawberries.
7. Yes -- that simple.