This is a recipe that my sister loves.  It’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious to eat!

CAKE INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (18.5 ounce) box white cake mix (without pudding)
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry jello
• 1 tablespoon self rising flour
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced.

 CAKE DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  
2. To make the cake, combine the cake mix, Jell-O, flour and sugar in a large bowl.  Mix well.  
3. Add the oil.  
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
5. Add the water and strawberries and mix well.  
6. Divide the batter evenly into three 8-inch round baking pans that have been oiled and floured.  
7. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean and the layers pull away from the sides of the pan.  
8. Transfer the layers from the oven to wire racks.  Let them cool, still in their pans, for 10 minutes.  
9. After 10 minutes, run a knife around the inside edge of each pan, then unmold each layer onto the racks to cool completely.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened 
• 2 (1 pound) boxes powdered sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• pink food coloring
• 4 sliced strawberries

FROSTING DIRECTIONS:

1. To make the frosting, in a bowl combine the cream cheese and butter.  Beat until soft and pliable and no lumps remain.  
2. Add one box of the powdered sugar, salt and vanilla extract.  Beat until incorporated.  
3. Add the second box of sugar and mix until incorporated.  
4. If you would like a smoother consistency, add a splash of milk.  If you would like a thicker consistency, and a bit more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Put the coconut in a small bowl and sprinkle with two or three drops of pink die.  Mix with hands to distribute the color and wash hands immediately. 
6. Once the cake is frosted, decorate the top of the cake with the shredded coconut and sliced strawberries.