Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Highlighted under: Baking Favorites
Delightful mini strawberry shortcake cups that are perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized desserts are packed with fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender biscuits, making them a hit with everyone!
These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect treat for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. With layers of fluffy biscuit, creamy whipped topping, and juicy strawberries, they are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfectly portioned for easy serving and sharing
Perfect for Any Occasion
Mini strawberry shortcake cups are versatile desserts that can elevate any gathering, whether it's a birthday party, a family barbecue, or a romantic dinner. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve, and they can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your event without the stress of last-minute preparations. Plus, their vibrant colors and delightful presentation are sure to impress your guests.
With these mini cups, you can also cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Consider swapping out strawberries for other berries or fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, for a refreshing twist. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious dessert that suits their palate.
A Treat for All Ages
One of the best aspects of mini strawberry shortcake cups is their universal appeal. Kids love the fun, colorful layers and the sweet taste, while adults appreciate the lightness and fresh flavors. This makes them an ideal dessert choice for family gatherings, where you want something that will please both young and older guests alike.
Moreover, the interactive nature of assembling the cups can also make for a fun activity. Encourage children to help layer the ingredients; it’s an excellent way to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them about cooking while creating sweet memories.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your mini strawberry shortcake cups:
For the Shortcake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting to prepare the dessert!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious mini strawberry shortcake cups:
Prepare the Shortcake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually stir in the milk and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
Make the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cups
Once the shortcakes are cool, cut them into small rounds. Layer the shortcake pieces in cups, add a layer of sliced strawberries, and top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Enjoy your delightful mini strawberry shortcake cups!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers or if you plan to make these mini cups ahead of time, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness. Keep the components separate until you're ready to serve. Store the shortcake pieces in an airtight container at room temperature and the whipped cream in the refrigerator. Fresh strawberries should also be kept in the fridge to prevent spoiling.
When ready to serve, simply layer the shortcake, strawberries, and whipped cream in cups as needed. This will ensure that the texture remains perfect, with the shortcakes staying soft and the whipped cream retaining its fluffy consistency.
Customization Ideas
While this recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with your mini strawberry shortcake cups. You can infuse different flavors into the whipped cream by adding ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder. These subtle twists can add an exciting layer of flavor that elevates the dessert.
For a more decadent treat, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce between the layers or incorporating a layer of lemon curd for a zesty contrast. These additions not only enhance the taste but also make for an eye-catching presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will provide a better texture and flavor.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I prepare these cups in advance?
You can prepare the shortcakes and whipped cream ahead of time, but assemble them just before serving for the best texture.
→ What other fruits can I use?
You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a delicious variation.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Delightful mini strawberry shortcake cups that are perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized desserts are packed with fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender biscuits, making them a hit with everyone!
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Baking Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shortcake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually stir in the milk and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Once the shortcakes are cool, cut them into small rounds. Layer the shortcake pieces in cups, add a layer of sliced strawberries, and top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g