Add-a-recipe Cookbook Forum FAMILY-SIZE STRAWBERRY SHORTCA..

1 pkg. (18.25 oz.) white cake mix

1-1/2 qt. fresh strawberries

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1-1/2 c. whipping cream

1/4 c. confectioners' sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Makes 8-10 servings.

1.  Preheat oven to 350 deg. F.  Prepare cake according to pkg. directions.  Grease & flour 2-9" cake pans; pour batter into pans.  Bake cakes til toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 25 min.  Cool completely on wire racks.

2.  Reserve 8-10 lg. strawberries for garnish.  Slice remaining strawberries; place in a med. bowl.  Sprinkle w/ granulated sugar.  Mash slightly w/ potato masher.  Chill til ready to assemble cake, @ least 30 min.

3.  Beat whipping cream in med. bowl w/ an electric mixer on high speed  til stiff peaks form.  Add confectioners' sugar & vanilla; continue beating just til mixed.

4.  Place 1 cake layer on serving plate.  Cover w/ mashed strawberries.  Top w/ about 1-1/2 c. whipped cream.  Place 2nd cake layer on top.  Spread w/ remaining whipped cream.  Garnish w/ reserved strawberries.

Helpful Hints:  If the cream is inadvertently whipped too long & turns buttery, just use a whisk to blend an extra tbsp. of cream to lighten it up.

Mix 'n' Match:  For a different shape, bake cake in a fluted pan for 35-45 min.  Frost cake w/ whipped cream.  Fill well in center of cake w/ sliced strawberries.  Decorate top w/ whole strawberries.