Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 shortcake biscuits, crumbled

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake Cups because they are the perfect blend of fresh strawberries and fluffy cream. Every time I prepare this delightful treat, it feels like a celebration of summer flavors right at home. The convenience of assembling them in cups makes it easier to serve at gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a dessert that looks impressive and tastes divine. It’s my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress friends and family with something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious!

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:59:34.518Z

When I first made Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious they turned out. I used shortcake biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream to create a vibrant dessert that was a hit at my dinner party. I discovered that letting the strawberries sit with a bit of sugar enhances their natural sweetness and creates a lovely syrup that adds to the overall flavor.

I also found that assembling the cups just before serving keeps the shortcake from getting soggy. This little trick helps preserve the delightful texture while allowing the flavors to shine through. Ever since that day, these cups have been a staple in my kitchen for any celebration!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Light and refreshing, perfect for warm days
Easy to make and beautifully presented
Customizable with different fruits or toppings

      

Tips for Perfect Strawberries

Choosing ripe strawberries is crucial for the best flavor in your Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Look for berries that are bright red with a natural shine. If they are slightly soft to the touch, they’re perfect for this dessert. If you're not preparing them right away, store them in the refrigerator unwashed, as moisture can increase spoilage. Once you're ready, rinse them gently to avoid bruising.

For the sweetest results, let the sliced strawberries macerate in sugar for about 10 minutes. This process enhances their natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrup that adds moisture to the dessert. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the ripeness of your strawberries—less for sweeter berries and more for those that are tart.

Whipping the Cream to Perfection

When whipping the cream, it's essential to start with chilled equipment. Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip better and maintain its structure. Whip until you reach soft peaks—this means the cream will hold its shape but still have a creamy texture. Overwhipping can lead to grainy cream; if you notice this happening, gently fold in a bit of fresh cream to bring it back.

Incorporating powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also stabilizes the whipped cream, allowing it to hold its shape longer. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor while providing a subtle background sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups are best served immediately, especially if you want the biscuits to retain their crunch. However, if you're preparing them in advance for an event, you can store the components separately and assemble them just before serving. This will ensure the whipped cream stays airy and the biscuits don't get soggy.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can easily substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. For a fun twist, add a splash of citrus juice to your strawberries for a zesty flavor, or incorporate a layer of chocolate ganache for added indulgence. Each variation opens a new avenue of flavor that makes this a versatile dessert.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 shortcake biscuits, crumbled

Once you have everything ready, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Toss gently and let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

In serving cups, layer the crumbled shortcake biscuits, a generous spoonful of strawberries with their juices, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.

Serve and Enjoy

Top with a few extra strawberries for garnish and serve immediately, enjoying the delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Your Strawberry Shortcake Cups are now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add mint leaves for garnish or switch the strawberries for mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While these Strawberry Shortcake Cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some elements ahead of time. Prepare the whipped cream and sliced strawberries several hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. The shortcake biscuits can be crumbled a day ahead and kept in an airtight container. This way, when you're ready to serve, all you need to do is layer the ingredients, making it a stress-free dessert for gatherings.

If you're looking to make a larger batch for parties, simply multiply the ingredients according to your needs. For instance, using two pounds of strawberries will create enough dessert for a crowd. Just ensure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to maintain the right flavor balance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your whipped cream doesn't thicken, it might be due to using warm cream or not chilling your mixing bowl. Always ensure that both your tools and cream are adequately cold before starting the whipping process. If you accidentally overwhipped your cream, try gently folding in a bit of fresh cream to salvage it—this can bring back a smoother consistency.

For those concerned about sweetness, taste the assembled dessert before serving. If it needs a bit more sweetness, consider drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top before serving. This little extra step can enhance the overall flavor, especially if using less sweet strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the components can be prepared separately, it's best to assemble the cups just before serving to keep the biscuits from getting soggy.

→ What can I substitute for cream?

You could use whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ How can I sweeten the strawberries without sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener, adjusting the quantity based on your preference.

→ Are there gluten-free options for the shortcake?

Yes, look for gluten-free shortcake mix or recipes that use almond or coconut flour.