Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sugar-Kissed Bakes

I absolutely love hosting parties, and one of my favorite desserts to serve is these Strawberry Shortcake Cups. They’re not only visually stunning but also a delightful combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. I particularly enjoy how easy they are to assemble, making them a stress-free option for entertaining. Everyone gets their own little cup of sweetness, which adds a fun twist to a classic dessert. Plus, you can prepare the components ahead of time, ensuring a smooth serving experience for your guests.

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:07:15.237Z

When I first whipped up these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I knew I had struck dessert gold. The combination of fluffy sponge cake and vibrant berries nestled in a sweetened whipped cream took me back to summer picnics. One key detail I learned during my experiments is to let the strawberries macerate in sugar for at least 10 minutes, as this brings out their juices, creating a delicious syrup that elevates the dish.

As I kept refining the recipe, I decided to serve them in individual cups, which not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also makes it easy to serve at gatherings. The visual appeal and ease of assembly of these shortcake cups make them a must-have for any party.

Why You'll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Individual servings make for easy sharing and a beautiful presentation.
The freshness of strawberries shines through every bite.
A delightful mix of textures—fluffy cake, creamy whipped cream, and juicy fruit.

Baking the Perfect Shortcake

When making the shortcake, it's essential to have your butter at room temperature for even mixing. If you accidentally melt the butter, it can affect the texture of the cake, making it dense rather than fluffy. Aim for a crumbly mixture before adding the milk, as this creates a light batter that bakes nicely. Watch closely in the oven; the shortcake should be lightly golden on top and spring back when touched, which typically takes about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

For an added twist, consider infusing your batter with hints of citrus. A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can elevate the flavor, making the shortcake even more delightful. This small addition compliments the strawberries beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile. Just remember not to overload the batter; one teaspoon is sufficient to provide that bright lift.

Perfecting the Strawberry Filling

Macerating the strawberries is a key step that shouldn't be rushed. Allowing them to sit with sugar for at least 10 minutes helps draw out their natural juices, creating a syrupy mixture that adds moisture and flavor to your cups. If your strawberries are particularly tart, increase the sugar slightly to balance the taste. You can also incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh mint during this process for a refreshing twist.

If you find yourself with leftover strawberries, consider crushing some and stirring them into the whipped cream instead of just layering them. This creates a strawberry-infused cream that ties all the flavors together. Just ensure the whipped cream is light and airy, so it doesn’t overpower the other elements in your dessert.

Layering and Serving Suggestions

When assembling your Strawberry Shortcake Cups, pay attention to the layering technique. Start with a layer of shortcake at the bottom, followed by strawberries, and then whipped cream. This approach not only looks more appealing but also allows each bite to have a delicious mix of textures and flavors. Repeat this until your cups are nicely filled, and consider leaving some strawberries for the top for a professional finishing touch.

For an extra indulgent experience, experiment with flavored whipped cream by adding a bit of pureed strawberries or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier. This can enhance the overall dessert and provide a unique flavor that guests will love. Just be careful not to overmix the whipped cream after adding flavors; you want to maintain its fluffy structure.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and set aside for about 10 minutes until they release their juices.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly, then stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Create the Whipped Cream

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

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcake has cooled, cut it into small cubes. In serving cups, layer the shortcake, followed by the macerated strawberries, and then top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add a mint leaf on top of each cup for garnish. You can also substitute the strawberries with other berries or fruits as per your preference.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups can be partially prepared ahead of time, which is ideal for party planning. You can bake the shortcake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The strawberries can also be prepared in advance, but it's best to macerate them just an hour or two before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy over time.

As for whipped cream, it’s best made fresh, but if you have to prepare it in advance, consider stabilizing it with a teaspoon of cornstarch or instant vanilla pudding mix. This will help it maintain its consistency and prevent it from weeping when stored. Just remember to re-whip briefly before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Dietary Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free version of these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that your sugar and toppings are gluten-free as well, as some brands may include additives that contain gluten. This substitution allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the same delicious dessert without compromising on taste.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the whipped topping and almond milk in place of regular milk for the shortcake. The coconut cream will give a lovely tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with strawberries. You might also enjoy adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake idea!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cups in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcake and strawberries a day ahead. Just layer the cups right before serving.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a store-bought whipped topping if you prefer a lighter option.

→ How long will the assembled cups last in the fridge?

They are best eaten within 24 hours, but can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The shortcake may get a little soggy over time.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the cups.