Step 1

Combine one-quart of sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch and lime juice in a large saucepan.

Step 2

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, bringing to a gentle boil. Continue the gentle boil for about 3 minutes, then reduce heat to low and cook 5 more minutes. Strawberries should be soft and the sauce should be thick but not pasty.

Step 3

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 4

When cool, add the second quart of sliced fresh strawberry and stir to combine well. Set aside.

Step 5

Using a serrated bread knife, cut the cake into three even layers, they will look like donuts.

Step 6

Cut those layers into 1.5-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 7

Beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

Step 8

Reserve 1/4 cup of Cool Whip to for the top of the trifle, store in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 9

Fold the remaining Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.

Step 10

This recipe will fit nicely into a 13-cup (liquid measure) trifle bowl. You will likely have a little cake and strawberry sauce leftover.

Step 11

Add a generous single layer of cake cubes to the bottom of the trifle bowl. Turn the pieces along the bowl edge so that the white side shows through the glass.

Step 12

Using a rubber spatula, add dollops of cream cheese mixture carefully over the cake cubes. Start along the glass and finish in the center. use your rubber spatula to carefully spread the mixture and tap it down.

Step 13

Top the cream cheese layer with half of the strawberry sauce.

Step 14

Add a single layer of cake cubes over the top of the strawberry sauce, placing each piece rather than dumping them on.

Step 15

Again, using a rubber spatula carefully add the remaining cream cheese mixture over the cake. Use the rubber spatula to carefully press along the edge, pushing the cream cheese mixture down into the cake.

Step 16

Place cake cubes onto the cream cheese mixture, positioning them carefully so that the white side of the cake faces outward.

Step 17

Pile strawberry sauce into the middle of the top layer, leaving the outer cake pieces visible.

Step 18

Add reserved whipped topping to the center of the strawberry sauce and garnish with a sauced strawberry slice.