Strawberry Banana Trifle

I was trying to think of a "lighter" dessert I could do recently, and remembered this one.  I haven't actually made this in a while because I forgot about it, but now that I've found it, I will go ahead and post it.....so I don't have to look for it again!  Also, I got this recipe from my mother in law Pam, which makes it even more special to me now.  I believe the original recipe came from Taste of Home.  It is great for a crowd because it serves a ton.....and it's pretty:)

 Note: The original recipe calls for whipping your own cream.  I just use a container of cool whip.  Because these days, I don't have time for those kind of silly things. 

You will need;

-1 cup sugar

-1/4 cup cornstarch

-3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (from a packet of strawberry jello)

-1 cup cold water

-1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

-1 3/4 cups cold milk

-1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

-3 to 4 medium bananas, sliced

-6 cups cubed angel food cake 

-2 cups whipping cream or a container of cool whip

-additional strawberries to garnish

*In a saucepan combine the sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin.  Stir in cold water until smooth. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.  Stir in fresh sliced strawberries, and set aside.

*In a large bowl combine milk and pudding mix.  Beat on low speed for 2 minutes, set aside.  

*Place half of the cake cubes in a trifle bowl or serving bowl.  Layer with half of the pudding, then bananas, then strawberry sauce, then whipped cream.  Repeat layers.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.