Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delightful mini strawberry shortcake cups that are perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:51:19.404Z

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home, they are easy to make and sure to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy texture that's simply irresistible
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor
Convenient single-serving sizes for easy enjoyment

      

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Mini strawberry shortcake cups are not only a delightful dessert but also a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for a sweet ending to a casual dinner, these little cups are sure to impress your guests. Their appealing presentation and individual servings make them a hit at any gathering.

Moreover, the freshness of seasonal strawberries elevates this dessert, making it an ideal choice for spring and summer events. The bright colors and vibrant flavors of the strawberries combined with the light shortcake and creamy whipped topping create a visually stunning dessert that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Tips for Perfect Shortcake

To achieve the light and fluffy texture of the shortcake, it’s crucial to handle the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense outcome, so mix until just combined. Using chilled butter also helps to create that desirable flaky texture, so don’t skip this step! You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour mixture for added effectiveness.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to the shortcake dough. These small variations can enhance the overall flavor profile, making your mini strawberry shortcake cups even more unique and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

For an even more delightful experience, consider garnishing your mini strawberry shortcake cups with mint leaves or drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce on top. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a touch of elegance to your presentation. If you want to make it extra special, serve them with a side of fresh mint tea or sparkling lemonade.

If you’re preparing these cups ahead of time, it’s best to assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream and strawberries. However, you can prepare the components separately in advance, making assembly quick and easy when it’s time to serve.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and set aside to macerate for about 10 minutes.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the heavy cream until just combined.

Bake the Shortcake

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Once shortcakes are cool, crumble them into small pieces. In serving cups, layer the crumbled shortcake, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.

Serve and Enjoy

Chill the assembled cups for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy your delightful mini strawberry shortcake cups!

These cups can be made a few hours ahead of time for convenience!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover mini strawberry shortcake cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain the freshness of the strawberries and the texture of the whipped cream. However, the shortcake itself can last a bit longer, so feel free to prepare extra shortcake for future use.

To refresh the stored cups, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few new strawberry slices before serving. This little touch will reinvigorate the dessert, making it just as appealing as when you first made it.

Variations to Try

While this recipe centers around strawberries, you can easily substitute other fruits to create delightful variations. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness and acidity, allowing you to customize the dessert to whatever is in season or your personal preference.

For those looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour. The result may vary in texture but will still yield a deliciously enjoyable dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture.

→ How can I store leftover shortcake cups?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative.