Whimsical Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Whimsical Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 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: Classic Bakery Favorites

I absolutely love making Whimsical Strawberry Shortcake Cups! These delightful treats combine light, fluffy cake with sweet, juicy strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. They're not only simple to prepare but also a feast for the eyes with their charming presentation. As we layer the components in individual cups, each bite offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes every occasion feel special. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite fruits or add-ins, creating a fun twist on a classic favorite.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-05T16:53:28.208Z

When I first tried making these whimsical cups, I was amazed at how easy it was to assemble them and how much joy they brought to my family. The beauty lies in the components: tender shortcake, fresh strawberries, and silky whipped cream blend perfectly for a refreshing dessert. I remember being skeptical about whether store-bought whipped cream could hold up, but surprisingly, it worked just as well as homemade, saving me time in the kitchen.

I've also discovered that these cups are a fantastic way to use up ripe strawberries. The method showcases their natural sweetness, making it unnecessary to add extra sugar, which was a pleasant surprise for me. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and now they’re a staple at our summer gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Layers of fluffy shortcake paired with sweet strawberries
Light and airy whipped cream adds the perfect finishing touch
Easy to customize for any occasion or personal taste

Understanding the Shortcake

The shortcake in this recipe is what truly makes these cups delightful. Using a mix of all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, the ingredients come together to form a light, tender cake. When you combine them with softened butter, make sure to mix until crumbly, but avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tougher texture. This shortcake bakes for just 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), resulting in a golden color that indicates it’s perfectly cooked.

Let the shortcake cool completely in the baking dish. As it cools, it becomes easier to crumble into just the right size for layering in the cups. If you find that the cake sticks to the dish, a non-stick spray or parchment paper can help, ensuring that you preserve those lovely golden edges during assembly.

Perfecting the Strawberries

Macerating the strawberries is a crucial step that enhances their natural sweetness and brings out their juicy flavor. Simply tossing them with sugar allows the juices to release, creating a syrupy coating that elevates each bite. For a twist, feel free to experiment with different berries such as raspberries or blueberries, but keep the same maceration approach to maintain the desired flavor depth.

When preparing the strawberries, make sure they are perfectly hulled and sliced. Ideally, the pieces should be even and not too thick to ensure they layer well and meld perfectly with the whipped cream and shortcake. You can also adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries—less sugar if they are particularly ripe or sweet.

Whipped Cream Mastery

For the whipped cream, start with a cold bowl and beaters to help the cream whip up better. Aim for soft peaks; this means when you lift the beaters, the peaks should gently fold over. If you accidentally overwhip it to stiff peaks, simply fold in a tablespoon of cold milk to ease it back to the right consistency for dolloping. The addition of powdered sugar not only sweetens your cream but also helps stabilize it, making it last longer without weeping.

If you’re looking to experiment with flavors in your whipped cream, consider adding a touch of lemon zest or a flavored extract like almond for a unique twist. This can enhance the overall flavor profile of your shortcake cups and make them your own.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare these delightful cups:

For the Shortcake

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

For the Strawberries

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

Mix and prepare these components to create your whimsical dessert.

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

Make the Shortcake

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the softened butter until crumbly. Stir in the milk and vanilla until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Whip the Cream

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

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcake has cooled, crumble it into the bottom of each cup. Layer with macerated strawberries and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers if desired.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Enjoy!

Dig in and savor the delightful flavors of each cup.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or garnish with mint leaves to enhance the presentation.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of Whimsical Strawberry Shortcake Cups is their adaptability. Feel free to swap out the strawberries for your favorite seasonal fruits or even use a mix, such as peaches and raspberries in the summer. Each fruit brings its own flavor and texture, allowing you to personalize the dessert to your taste or occasion.

For those looking to make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to avoid any issues. This switch helps maintain the lightness and fluffiness of the shortcake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While these strawberry shortcake cups are best consumed fresh, you can prepare elements in advance. Make the shortcake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. The whipped cream can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving; just make sure to re-whip it slightly if it softens too much.

As for the strawberries, you can macerate them up to an hour before serving to maintain their freshness. They may release more juices the longer they sit, so give them a light toss just before assembling to keep everything neat and visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your presentation, consider using clear glass cups or jars to showcase the beautiful layers of shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream. You can also garnish each cup with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture.

These cups make fantastic party desserts since they can be assembled in advance and served directly. For a unique twist, serve them at picnics in mason jars to make transport easy and fun. They are a refreshing, easy-to-eat treat perfect for summer gatherings or celebratory occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

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

→ How can I make the whipped cream sweeter?

Simply increase the amount of powdered sugar to your desired taste.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but assembly is best done right before serving to keep the textures fresh.

→ What if I have gluten intolerance?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.