Strawberry Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A perfect summer time Birthday cake!

Cake:

1 package of white or vanilla cake mix
1-3 oz. package of strawberry gelatin
20 oz. can of crushed pineapple, undrained
Flour, for dusting

Frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Strawberries, to decorate top of cake

2 oz. pecans pieces, to decorate sides of cake

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, gelatin and pineapple. Grease two 9”x9” dish and dust with flour. Bake according to directions on box.

Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan and completely cooling on a wire rack.

For the frosting, in a large bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla.

Place one layer of cake on a plate. Spread a layer of frosting and a layer of sliced strawberries. Top with second layer of cake. Cover cake with remaining frosting. Gently brush pecan pieces around sides of cake. Decorate the top with strawberries.

Variations:
·         Instead of pecan pieces use shredded coconut
·         Instead of filling the cake with frosting, use strawberry jam