In a small bowl, whisk together pudding and milk until mixture is smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
3.4 oz cheesecake instant pudding, 2 cup milk
Set aside 5-8 whole strawberries. Remove tops of remaining berries and slice into quarters
1 ½ lbs strawberries
Bake cake according to package directions for 2 rounds or a 9x13 sheet pan. Let cool completely and cut cake into cubes. Place half of the cake cubes into a trifle bowl. Top with half of the pudding and half of the whipped topping, smoothing each layer. Top with fresh sliced strawberries.
15.25 oz strawberry cake mix, 8 oz whipped topping
Repeat layers, ending with a large center dollop of whipped topping. Add reserved fresh whole berries
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve or serve immediately.