Quick Summer Cake Filling

(Shared recipe submitted by Mary Ellen Vasquez)

Makes filling and topping for one double layer cake

Mary Ellen writes: "This was given to me by a sister-in-law one summer and it really makes a cool and delicious summer dessert. It goes great on any two-layer box cake and makes it taste like a home baked cake."

Ingredients

• 9 ounces whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
• 1 package vanilla instant pudding
• 1 large can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 small bottle maraschino cherries (optional for color and flavor)

Using a box mix, bake a two-layer cake and cool completely. Mix together the whipped topping, pudding and pineapple. Put one-half of the filling on the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and put the remaining filling on top. For added color and fruit flavor, put whole cherries on top in random pattern. This must be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

About Mary Ellen: Mary Ellen has been collecting "quickie" recipes since the 1960's because she is always in a hurry to get out of the kitchen. These are some she wanted to share. Her e-mail address is joeme400@bellsouth.net.

Additional recipes submitted by Mary Ellen: