3 Layer Cheesy Strawberry Cake

• Layer 1
• flour↗1 cup
• sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• finely shredded lemon zest2 teaspoons
• baking powder↗1 teaspoon
• margarine, softened↗1⁄2 cup
• beaten egg1
• milk↗1⁄4 cup
• vanilla↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• Layer 2
• packages cream cheese, plus↗2 ounce
• package cream cheese (low fat works fine)↗1 ounce
• cups sugar↗1 1⁄2 cups
• egg↗1
• teaspoons vanilla↗2 teaspoons
• tablespoon lemon juice↗1
• Layer 3
• cups sliced fresh strawberries4
• cup currant jelly (at room temperature)↗1⁄2
• cup fresh blueberries (to garnish) or 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds (to garnish)↗1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Layer 1: Make this part 4 to 24 hours ahead: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

3. 3

   Cut in margarine until texture feels like corn meal.

4. 4

   Combine wet ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Then add all at once to the dry ingredients. Mix just enough to make a soft dough.

5. 5

   Using fingers, gently pat dough into the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan.

6. 6

   Layer 2: Combine all ingredients.

7. 7

   Beat until creamy with mixer on high.

8. 8

   Spread over dough in the pan.

9. 9

   Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

10. 10

    Cool completely and cover.

11. 11

    Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

12. 12

    Arrange berries on top of cake.

13. 13

    Stir jelly to soften, then brush jelly over berries.

14. 14

    Garnish with blueberries or toasted almond slices. (Toast almond slices in a fry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until browned a bit.).