Strawberry Cake

Cake:

1 pkg plain white cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 pkg strawberry gelatin
1 cup mashed fresh strawberries with juice
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup whole milk
4 large eggs

Frosting:

1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese
1 stick of butter
3 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/3 cup mashed strawberries (drained)

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.

Lightly grease and flour three 9 inch round pans or a 13 x 9 pan. Set pans aside.

Place cake mix, strawberry gelatin, mashed strawberries, oil, milk, and eggs in large mixing bowl and beat on low speed for 1 minute. Strawberries should be well-blended.

Divide batter among pans and place in oven.

Cake can also be made in a 13 x 9 pan. Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean.

Bake cakes until lightly brown (about 28 min. or until toothpick comes out clean). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting or it will melt on cake.

Prepare frosting:

Combine cream cheese, and butter and cream on low speed for a minute. Add sugar and strawberries. Blend frosting on low until sugar is incorporated and frosting is creamy and spreadable. If too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.

To assemble: place one cake layer on plate and spread top with frosting, add another cake layer and frost the top, add last cake layer and frost the top. Use remaining frosting for the sides of the cake.