Strawberry Hot Fudge Cake

1 chocolate fudge cake mix (prepared as directed for fluted/Bundt pan)
1 jar hot fudge topping
1 lb strawberries, sliced
applesauce (optional)

Prepare cake mix as directed. Substitute applesauce for oil - equal parts - if desired. (Makes for a super moist, lower-fat cake. If lower fat matters in a hot fudge cake, that is!)

While cake is cooking, rinse then slice strawberries. Allow to air-dry on towel until cake is ready for assembly. Pat dry if needed. (Wet strawberries will make hot fudge runny.)

Heat hot fudge for about 1 min in microwave or in small saucepan.

Pour hot fudge over cake. Cover with sliced strawberries.

Comments from the cook: An easy-peasy recipe that usually wows a crowd! This cake is easy, really tasty, and would be perfect to take to a BBQ or potluck.

A picture of this dessert was on my header in the early days of this blog (are we in the old days now?) and the recipe seemed a bit too easy to post. After making it again, I realized that there was no reason not to share it. How in the world could something be too easy!? Good grief.

The first time I made this, I overcooked the cake slightly, and it was too dry for my liking. Probably should've soaked the cake in milk before eating. :) But the second time was a huge hit, and it was delicious. Enjoy!

A CookieSheets&CakePans original (if it's possible to take credit for assembling 3 ingredients...)