Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
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 milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Bakes & Bliss

I love whipping up these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cups for gatherings! They’re not just visually appealing but also incredibly easy to assemble, making them a perfect treat for parties. The freshness of the strawberries combined with the lightness of the whipped cream and the sweetness of the cake create a delightful harmony of flavors. Plus, they are conveniently portioned, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet bite without the fuss. You’ll find them to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:13:19.664Z

When I first attempted these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I was surprised by how quickly they came together. Each cup is a miniature dessert masterpiece that captures the essence of summer in a single bite. The key is to use ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum flavor; they really make the dessert shine. I also like to sprinkle a bit of sugar on the strawberries to enhance their sweetness while they soak, which elevates the entire cup.

Another tip I learned is to make the whipped cream from scratch—it's surprisingly simple. Using fresh whipped cream gives a fluffy texture that store-bought options just can’t match. I often find myself doubling the recipe because guests always want seconds. Trust me, these little cups are the perfect party pleaser!

Why You Will Love These Cups
Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth
Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
Perfectly portioned for parties or picnics

Shortcake Essentials

The base of these delightful cups is the shortcake, which relies on a blend of flour, sugar, and a leavening agent to achieve that light, airy texture. Make sure your butter is properly chilled—this helps create a flaky structure. I recommend cutting the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs; this ensures that small pockets of buttery goodness will form during baking, contributing to the melt-in-your-mouth experience you want.

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. You want to incorporate just enough to create a cohesive dough, typically around 30 seconds. Overmixing can result in a tough texture, detracting from the delicate nature of the shortcake. Once you drop the dough onto the baking sheet, look for a soft golden hue after about 10 minutes in the oven; this is your cue that they are ready.

Strawberry Preparation Tips

When preparing strawberries, it's essential to allow them time to macerate with sugar. This step not only enhances the natural sweetness of the berries but also creates a luscious syrup that mingles beautifully with the whipped cream. I recommend letting them sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes; this is key for releasing their juices effectively. If you're using particularly large strawberries, consider slicing them into smaller pieces for more even flavor distribution in each cup.

For a little twist, you can mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice with the sugar during the maceration process. This combines acidity with sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile and complementing the whipped cream's richness. If fresh strawberries aren't available, feel free to use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to maintain the perfect texture.

Whipped Cream Mastery

To achieve the perfect whipped cream, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled. This can result in quicker whipping and better volume. Aim for medium-high speed until you reach stiff peaks—this may take about 3 to 5 minutes. Take care not to overwhip; if it starts to look grainy or butter-like, it's too late. If that happens, you can fold in a teaspoon of cream to salvage it and regain some smoothness.

Consider adding flavorings beyond vanilla, such as a touch of almond extract or a splash of citrus zest. This can bring a new dimension to the whipped cream that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. For a slightly healthier option, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt; this change still provides a delicious, creamy texture while adding a bit of tanginess that balances the sweetness of the dessert.

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 milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

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

Instructions

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcakes are cooled, crumble them into small pieces and layer them with the strawberries and whipped cream in serving cups. Repeat until cups are filled to the top.

Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a refreshing treat.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce over the top before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups can be prepared in advance, but assembly should ideally happen closer to serving to maintain the texture. The shortcakes can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. The whipped cream can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for easy assembly.

To keep the strawberries fresh for a longer period, store them separately in the refrigerator. If you find yourself with leftover components, it's straightforward to reassemble them the next day. Just be sure to refresh the whipped cream briefly with a whisk if it has been sitting in the fridge overnight; this helps restore its fluffy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch of elegance, serve your Strawberry Shortcake Cups in clear glassware. This allows everyone to appreciate the vibrant layers of strawberries, cream, and cake. You can also garnish each cup with a mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a polished finish.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding layers of flavored gelatin or yogurt between the shortcake and cream for a unique twist. These additions introduce new textures and flavors that will surprise your guests while still being in line with the fresh, springtime aesthetic of the dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, but consume within a day to avoid sogginess.

→ Can I make the shortcake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shortcake a day in advance and assemble the cups just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be different.