Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups because they are a delightful treat that comes together in no time. Combining fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake, these little cups are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they are easy to customize! Whether it's a summer picnic or a family gathering, I find that everyone appreciates the bright flavors and elegant presentation. This recipe is also a hit with kids, who enjoy assembling their own cups. Trust me, you won’t regret making these!

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:41:37.842Z

Creating these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups was a delightful experience that filled my kitchen with the scents of fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I enjoyed experimenting with the layering of the shortcake and berries, ensuring every bite had a perfect balance. I found that using a combination of fresh and slightly macerated strawberries adds depth to the flavor, making each cup a mini dessert revelation.

During my last gathering, I prepared these cups in advance, which saved me time and allowed me to enjoy the company of my guests. I learned that letting the assembled cups sit for just a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. These small tips make a big difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries
Quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings

Mastering the Shortcake

The shortcake is the foundation of this dessert, and getting the texture just right is key. When mixing the ingredients, avoid overmixing as it can lead to dense and tough shortcakes. You want to mix until just combined; lumps are perfectly okay. Once in the muffin tin, keep an eye on them as they bake. You’re looking for a pale golden color on the tops, which indicates they are cooked through but still tender.

If you’re looking to add a twist to your shortcake, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. You could also swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure to check the blend's baking properties as some may require additional moisture or baking powder.

Strawberry Preparation Tips

Macerating the strawberries is a crucial step to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor. Letting them sit with sugar not only draws out the juices but also softens the fruit slightly, creating a delicious syrup that soaks into the shortcake. If you're short on time, you can macerate the strawberries for just 5 minutes, but the longer they sit, up to 30 minutes, the more flavorful they will become.

For a different flavor profile, mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of vanilla extract with your strawberries. This adds a sophisticated twist that complements the sweetness and brings out the berry flavor even more. Always taste before assembling to adjust sugar as needed, especially if your strawberries are particularly sweet or tart.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious strawberry shortcake cups:

For the shortcake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk

For the strawberry filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the whipped cream:

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

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step!

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

Prepare the shortcake:

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and milk, mixing until just combined. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Prepare the strawberries:

In another bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the whipped cream:

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

Assemble the cups:

Once the shortcakes have cooled, crumble them into cups or bowls. Layer with macerated strawberries and top with whipped cream. Repeat layers until the cups are filled.

Serve:

Garnish with additional strawberry slices if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture.

Enjoy your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for a zesty flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with other berries in place of strawberries for a delicious variation.

Whipped Cream Variations

The whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess to the cups and can be easily customized. For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese while whipping. This will give you a thicker texture that's perfect for holding up under the layers without losing its shape. If you're looking to make it dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut cream, just be sure to chill it before whipping to achieve the right consistency.

Experimenting with flavors in your whipped cream can elevate your dessert. Adding a touch of almond extract, cocoa powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon can create a delightful twist. Whip the cream until just stiff; overwhipping can cause it to turn grainy, so stop as soon as you see soft peaks.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

For best results, assemble the strawberry shortcake cups just before serving. The shortcake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to prepare the dish a few hours in advance, keep the whipped cream and strawberries separate until you're ready to layer them to maintain the texture of all components.

For serving, you might want to present the cups in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers, making them a centerpiece at any gathering. Top with a mint leaf for a pop of color and extra freshness. If you're hosting a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and serving in a large trifle dish instead, which makes assembling and serving even easier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover cups in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the shortcake may become soggy.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream for whipping.

→ Is there a way to prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the components a day in advance, but assemble just before serving for best results.