Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Bliss

I absolutely love making these Strawberry Shortcake Cups for parties! They’re a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfectly portioned for easy serving. Each cup is filled with layers of fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and buttery shortcake, making them a hit at any gathering. Not only do they look beautiful, but they’re also incredibly simple to assemble, allowing me to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. I can't wait to share this recipe with you so you can impress your guests too!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:25:10.915Z

When I first tried making these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I was amazed at how well the flavors blended together. Using fresh strawberries is vital; their natural sweetness complements the creamy filling beautifully. I also experimented with different types of whipped cream, and I found that adding a splash of vanilla extract transforms the flavor profile into something extraordinary!

For a fun twist, you can make these cups in advance and chill them, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. I once let them sit overnight, and they were even better the next day! Just be sure to top them with the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving to keep them fresh and colorful.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Deliciously fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
Creamy whipped topping that balances perfectly with the shortcake
Individual cups that are easy to serve and eat
A delightful presentation that impresses guests

Perfecting the Shortcake

Achieving the ideal shortcake texture is all about the mixing technique. When cutting in the cold butter, aim for a crumb mix that resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures that the pieces of butter stay intact, which will help create those delightful flaky layers once baked. Over-mixing the dough can lead to a dense texture, so mix until just combined and no dry flour remains.

Baking time is crucial; keep an eye on the shortcakes as they bake. Look for a golden-brown color and a slightly springy texture when touched. Typically, this takes about 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). If you see the edges starting to darken, it’s time to take them out to prevent any overbaking.

Whipped Cream: The Finishing Touch

For the whipped cream, using heavy cream is essential as it contains a higher fat content, which contributes to a rich and creamy texture. When whipping, ensure that both the bowl and the beaters are chilled; this can dramatically speed up the process and help achieve those soft peaks quickly. The addition of powdered sugar not only sweetens the cream but also helps stabilize it, allowing the whipped cream to maintain its volume longer.

If you prefer a flavored whipped cream, consider adding a splash of almond extract or a pinch of citrus zest for added brightness. Just be cautious with flavoring; start small and taste, as you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once mixed in.

Serving and Storage Tips

These strawberry shortcake cups can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for parties. You can assemble them a few hours before the event and store them in the refrigerator. Just ensure that they’re covered well to prevent the shortcake from becoming soggy. If made the night before, the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the freshness of the strawberries.

For a twist on traditional flavors, consider incorporating other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries into your layers. Alternatively, a drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate the dessert, adding both richness and elegance. Keep in mind that varying the fruits may change the overall sweetness, so adjust sugar levels to complement.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cups

For the Shortcake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all shortcake ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Bake as directed until golden brown.

Instructions

How to Assemble Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Prepare the Shortcake

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Shape into small rounds and bake until golden.

Make the Whipped Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Set aside.

Assemble the Cups

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

Top each cup with a few extra slices of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce on top or adding a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, if you or your guests have dietary restrictions related to dairy, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. Just chill a can of coconut milk overnight and scoop the solidified cream for whipping.

The classic shortcake can also be adjusted by substituting the granulated sugar with coconut or maple sugar, which adds a unique flavor profile. Keep in mind that if you use liquid sweeteners, the balance of dry ingredients may need slight adjustments to maintain the desired consistency.

Variations to Explore

To create individual flavor combinations, consider adding layers of flavored yogurt or cheesecake filling between the strawberries and whipped cream. This not only adds a delightful creamy texture but also gives a twist to the traditional flavor. Another variation is to infuse the whipped cream with herbs, such as basil or mint, for a surprising herbal note that complements the strawberries beautifully.

If you want to take this dessert to the next level, try grilling the strawberries lightly before assembling the cups. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruit, enhancing their sweetness. Just a few minutes on a hot grill will create an intriguing depth to the flavor, resulting in a gourmet twist on a classic.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcake in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just assemble the cups when ready to serve.

→ How long do these cups last?

These cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries work best, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free.