Quick & Easy Italian Rum Cake Cups

My daughters gave me a copy of Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals 2 Cookbook and of course the first thing I tried was a dessert! Her recipe actually called for double the rum quantity but I found it way too strong so I have halved that measurement.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  ladyfingers
• 1 1⁄2 fluid ounces rum
• 2  cups prepared vanilla pudding
• 8  large  juicy ripe strawberries, sliced
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1 (2 ounce) package  almonds, sliced (I would toast them next time)
•  Cool Whip or  heavy cream

Directions

1. Separate 8 ladyfingers on work area.
2. Using a pastry brush, paint the ladyfingers with the rum as mentioned, I have halved this original qty- her recipe calls for 3 oz.
3. Line small glass dessert cups with the ladyfingers.
4. Top with heaping spoonfuls of prepared vanilla instant pudding (about 1/2 cup) per dish.
5. Sprinkle sliced strawberries with sugar and toss to coat.
6. Top the dessert cups with the strawberries and a dollup of coolwhip/heavy cream and sprinkle with almonds.
7. Serve, or chill until dessert time.
8. Enjoy!