Strawberry Cream Cake

1 box white cake mix
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
8 oz cream cheese
2 C powdered sugar
8 oz Cool Whip
2 C fresh strawberries, sliced

Make cake mix according to package directions. Stir in poppy seeds and pour into large greased pan. Bake slightly less time than box directions. Cool.

Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. Spread on cooled cake.

Strawberry Glaze:

2 C fresh strawberries
1½ C water
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 C sugar

Crush the strawberries. Add water, cornstarch, and sugar and cook in small saucepan until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Let cool to room temperature.

Slice remaining fresh strawberries and put on top of cream cheese layer. Pour strawberry glaze over sliced strawberries. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

~Sue McNelly