Strawberry shortcake is a delicious, light dessert that is simple to make. You only need a few ingredients, the most important of which is the strawberries themselves. While you may use either fresh, frozen, or canned strawberries, you should always try to use fresh ones when they are in season. Read on to learn how to make strawberry shortcake that your family and friends will love!.

Strawberry shortcake is a quick and easy treat that can be whipped up in minutes, and it makes a cool, refreshing dessert on warm summer days. This shortcake is light enough that it can be eaten as a snack, and is also an excellent addition to a weekend brunch. The best time to make this sweet treat is when strawberries are in season, which is in early summer. The quality of the fruit will be far better than other times of year, and you will be able to enjoy juicy, succulent berries.

Here's what you need to make strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries:

• 1 Angel food, sponge or pound cake
• 3 Cups strawberries, sliced
• 2/3 Cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 7 oz. Can of whipped cream
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

If you are using unsweetened frozen strawberries, you should thaw the berries and then proceed as if you were using fresh berries. If you are using sweetened berries, you'll wantto omit the sugar.

While you can mix the strawberries and sugar together ahead of time, the shortcake itself should be assembled immediately before serving so that the cake doesn't get soggy.

1. Pour strawberry slices, sugar and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl
2. Toss with a wooden spoon until strawberries are coated and sugar is dissolved
3. Cut the cake into portion-sized slices
4. Top cake with strawberry slices
5. Top with whipped cream
6. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired

Once assembled, strawberry shortcake should be served immediately. The strawberry mixture will keep in the refrigerator (covered) for up to two days.

The strawberry shortcake can be garnished with mint leaves, sliced strawberries, or toasted almonds. You may also want to drizzle chocolate or almond syrup on top of the whipped cream.

• While strawberries are the fruit most commonly used for shortcake, almost any fruit works well layered with cake and whipped cream. Consider combining strawberries and blueberries to make a Fourth of July shortcake.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/strawberry-and-blueberry-shortcake-recipe/index.html

• Shortcake is a great summer dessert, and grilling is a great way to prepare summer dinners, Consider using the grill for dessert as well, lightly toasting slices of angel food or pound cake on the grill before using them for strawberry shortcake. Watch the cake carefully, making sure it doesn't burn.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-strawberry-shortcake-recipe/index.html

• Add a touch of cinnamon to the cream while whipping, if desired.http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Cinnamon-Whipped-Cream-108469