Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

Delight in these adorable Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:44:18.734Z

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. With layers of fluffy whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and buttery shortcake, they are sure to impress your guests.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly portioned for individual servings
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor
Light and airy texture that everyone will adore

      

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are not only delightful to look at but also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent dessert for birthday parties, picnics, and family gatherings. Their individual servings eliminate the need for cutting and serving, making them a hassle-free option for any host. Plus, the vibrant red strawberries peeking out from the fluffy cream will surely impress your guests.

These mini treats can easily be customized to fit various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. You can also swap the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option. No matter how you tweak the recipe, the end result will still be a deliciously satisfying dessert.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shortcake

To achieve the light and airy texture that makes these shortcakes so delightful, be sure not to overmix the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. This helps to keep the shortcakes tender and fluffy.

Another tip is to ensure your butter is chilled before adding it to the dry mixture. Cold butter helps create those delightful flaky layers that are characteristic of a good shortcake. If you're short on time, you can even grate the butter for faster incorporation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups immediately after assembling for the best experience. If you're preparing them in advance, consider keeping the components separate until serving time. This prevents the shortcake from becoming soggy and maintains the fresh flavors of the strawberries and whipped cream.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing each cup with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate. These small details can elevate your dessert presentation and make it feel even more special.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake

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

For the Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix and match fresh fruits for different flavor variations!

Instructions

Prepare 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. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins, filling each cup halfway.

Bake the Shortcake

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a separate bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

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

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcakes are cool, cut them in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries, add a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half over. Top with more strawberries and whipped cream.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful treat!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it's essential to note that the texture of the shortcake may change as it sits, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

For longer storage, consider freezing the shortcake components separately. You can freeze the baked shortcake for up to a month. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and assemble with freshly whipped cream and strawberries.

Variations to Try

While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to explore other fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches can make delightful alternatives, offering a new flavor profile while maintaining the essence of a shortcake. Try mixing different berries for a colorful and vibrant dessert.

For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of lemon curd between the shortcake and the strawberries. The tartness of the lemon will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and whipped cream, creating a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for warm weather.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for different flavor profiles.