Strawberry Shortcake Vanilla Pudding Poke Cake

While normally, I'm all about chocolate desserts (the more chocolate, the better), I have always loved strawberry shortcake!  When I was a kid, my mom would make us her version of strawberry shortcake:  a slice of Sara Lee pound cake, topped with vanilla pudding and sliced strawberries!  Mm!  It was always a nice treat...one we were occasionally allowed to enjoy for breakfast!

I was 19 before I tried the more traditional strawberry shortcake with the layers of cake, whipped cream and strawberries...and while I do love the traditional version, I love my momma's version better!

Friday (June 14th)  was National Strawberry Shortcake Day!  Who thinks up these things?  Whoever it is, I want to give  a BIG thank you!  I love strawberry shortcake and if the calendar tells me I should celebrate, then who am I to disobey?

I didn't have a frozen pound cake and I didn't feel like a trip to the store, so I improvised!  I combined the concept of this Pudding Poke Cake with the flavors of Mom's strawberry shortcake...I was not disappointed with the results!

Vanilla Pudding Poke Cake ~ Strawberry Shortcake 
     Adapted from an old family treat
                   and Betty Crocker

Ingredients:  

• Yellow cake prepared and cooled in a 9x13 glass dish. 
• 4 serving package instant vanilla pudding 
• 2 cups milk 
• sliced strawberries 
• sugar 
• whipped topping 

Directions: 

• Poke holes in cooled cake with the end of a wooden spoon. 
• Add pudding mix to 2 cups cold milk, mix for 2 minutes. (do not chill) 
• Pour the pudding evenly over cake.  
• Chill for 2 (or more) hours, covered.  
• Stir together sliced strawberries with sugar, cover and refrigerate.

To serve:  

• Slice chilled cake into 12 servings. 
• Top with desired amount of strawberries, whipped topping.  

Notes:  

• I had about a pint of strawberries...next time, I'd probably use 2 pints of strawberries to be sure to have enough for the entire cake!  
• I didn't measure the berry/sugar step of this dessert.  I just sprinkled a little sugar in, stirred...added a little more sugar and stirred.  
• I can't wait to have an occasion to make this cake again!  Great for a potluck or a barbecue.  
• A variety of mixed berries would be delicious, too! 

According to this list of National Food Days, today is National Fudge Day!  Sadly, I don't have the ingredients to make our favorite fudge recipe today, I'll just have to settle for sharing the link with y'all today!  

I have shared this recipe post at the following blog carnivals and linky parties:

• Salt Tree Social #59