Classic Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Classic 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 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Magic

I absolutely love making Classic Strawberry Shortcake Cups! These delightful desserts are a perfect blend of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender shortcake. Each cup offers a light and refreshing treat that’s ideal for warm weather gatherings or simply to enjoy at home. Preparing these cups is quite easy, and I often find it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends. The individual servings make them perfect for sharing, and everyone can enjoy a taste of this classic dessert.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:05:36.917Z

When I first tried making strawberry shortcake cups, I was amazed at how quickly they came together and how delicious they turned out. Using fresh strawberries is a must, as their vibrant flavor truly elevates the entire dessert. I often let the strawberries macerate with a touch of sugar for about 10 minutes to enhance their sweetness before assembling the cups.

Another tip I've discovered is to whip the cream just until soft peaks form. This gives it a light and airy texture without being too stiff. It complements the soft shortcake perfectly. Trust me, these cups will become your new go-to dessert!

Why You'll Love These Cups
Perfectly balanced sweetness with fresh strawberries
Individual servings for easy sharing
Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion

Enhancing the Strawberry Flavor

Choosing the right strawberries is key to elevating your Classic Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Look for ripe, fragrant strawberries that are bright red with no soft spots. If you find the strawberries are less sweet than you hoped, macerating them with sugar not only draws out their juices but also enhances their sweetness and creates a delicious syrup that's perfect for drizzling over your dessert.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries. This acidity balances their sweetness and adds a refreshing zing that complements the rich whipped cream and soft shortcake beautifully.

Shortcake Techniques

Getting the texture of the shortcake just right is crucial. When mixing in the chilled butter, make sure to use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to create small, pea-sized crumbs. This will ensure a tender shortcake rather than a dense one. If you overwork the dough, the shortcake can become tough, so mix just until combined and no dry flour remains visible.

Baking the shortcake at the right temperature is also important. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) allows the shortcake to rise quickly, leading to a light and airy final product. Keep an eye on it in the oven; it should be golden on top, which usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on your oven's exact temperature.

Personalizing Your Dessert

Feel free to customize the whipped cream to suit your taste. For a richer flavor, you could infuse the cream with a bit of almond extract or orange zest. Adding a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese can also create a luxurious texture and flavor. Remember to taste as you go; adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar based on your preference.

If you're looking for a twist on the classic recipe, consider substituting the strawberries with other berries—like blueberries or raspberries—or a mix for a colorful variation. This not only changes the flavor profile but adds visual appeal. When doing so, adjust the sugar to balance the tartness of the berries you choose.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to create these delightful strawberry shortcake cups.

For the Shortcake:

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

For the Strawberries:

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

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have all the ingredients, you are ready to start preparing your delicious cups!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your strawberry shortcake cups.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Whip the Cream

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

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcake has cooled, crumble it into individual serving cups. Layer with macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers and top with a few chocolate shavings if desired.

Enjoy your strawberry shortcake cups chilled or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Using ripe strawberries will make a significant difference in flavor. If you can't find fresh strawberries, frozen will work too
just thaw them beforehand.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make these cups ahead of time, store the shortcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. The strawberries can be prepared in advance, but it's best to add them to the cups right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

The whipped cream can be made a few hours in advance but should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To keep it from deflating, consider adding a stabilizer like gelatin or cornstarch. This will help it hold its shape longer, especially if you're planning to let the cups sit for a while before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your whipped cream isn't stiffening up, ensure that your heavy cream is well-chilled, as warmer cream can prevent it from whipping properly. If this happens, put the bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before trying again.

For shortcake that seems too crumbly, check that you haven't added too much flour or mixed the dough too much. Always measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid pulling in too much flour and risking a dry texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream?

You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream to your taste. Start with less and add as needed.

→ What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

You can easily substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

→ Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream is a time-saver and will work just fine in this recipe.