Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Introduction

Craving a light, refreshing dessert that’s bursting with flavor? Strawberry Shortcake Cups have you covered! These easy-to-make treats feature fluffy cake, sweetened strawberries, and a cloud of whipped cream, all served in individual cups for a portable, fun twist on the classic strawberry shortcake.

Perfect for summer parties, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cups are a go-to for any occasion. The best part? They’re a breeze to prepare and can be made ahead, so you can enjoy your time with friends and family without being stuck in the kitchen.

Ready to create these delightful treats? Let’s jump into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons you’ll fall head over heels for Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

• Light and Refreshing: A perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making it the ideal treat for warmer weather.
• No Fuss, No Mess: The individual servings make it easy to serve, and there’s no need for slicing—just scoop and enjoy.
• Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients, you can have these delightful cups ready in no time.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, add toppings, or even change the base from cake to biscuits for a personal touch.
• Kid-Friendly: Little hands will love assembling and devouring these cute cups, making them a fun family activity.
• Perfect for Parties: The individual cups are great for potlucks, picnics, or backyard barbecues, offering a fun, portable dessert option.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the components in advance, then assemble just before serving for easy entertaining.
• A Showstopper: These pretty little cups look as delightful as they taste, making them a fantastic addition to any dessert table.
• Versatile: You can mix and match the ingredients, like using different fruits, to make the recipe your own.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 shortcake cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 2g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

For the Cake:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or make your own from scratch)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

the Strawberries:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

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

Ingredient Highlights

• Vanilla Cake Mix: The base of the dessert, light and fluffy with a sweet vanilla flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the whipped cream and cake.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it complements the cake and strawberries beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make these mouthwatering Strawberry Shortcake Cups? Follow these steps for a perfect treat every time!

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or prepare individual cupcake pans with liners.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or cupcake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes (for cupcakes) or 30 minutes (for a larger dish) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Strawberries

1. Slice the Strawberries: While the cake is cooling, hull and slice the strawberries.
2. Sweeten the Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and toss gently. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until soft peaks form.
2. Chill the Whipped Cream: For best results, chill the whipped cream in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.

Assemble the Cups

1. Prepare the Base: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into squares or use a round cutter for individual portions.
2. Layer the Cake and Strawberries: In individual cups or bowls, place a piece of cake at the bottom, then layer with sweetened strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Repeat the Layers: For a more indulgent treat, repeat the layers of cake, strawberries, and whipped cream until the cups are full.
4. Garnish and Serve: Top each cup with extra strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream for a pretty finishing touch.

How to Serve

Here are some creative ways to serve your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

1. Individual Serving Cups: Serve the shortcake cups in clear plastic or glass cups for an elegant presentation.
2. Dessert Buffet: Set up a DIY dessert station where guests can assemble their own cups.
3. Picnic Ready: These cups are perfect for a picnic—no need to worry about cutting slices or making a mess!
4. Party Time: Display the cups on a tiered stand for a charming dessert display at your next gathering.
5. Garnish with Fresh Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Pair with Beverages: Serve alongside a cold glass of lemonade or a warm cup of tea for the perfect treat pairing.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Strawberry Shortcake Cups with these helpful tips:

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the cake and whipped cream a day ahead, and assemble the cups just before serving.
2. Customize the Cake: Feel free to use a sponge cake or angel food cake for a lighter version.
3. Fresh vs Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
4. Use Homemade Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling adventurous, make homemade whipped cream from scratch for an extra indulgent touch.
5. Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover cups in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cake might absorb some of the strawberry juices, making it even more flavorful.
6. Try Other Fruits: While strawberries are a classic choice, you can swap them for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a fun twist.
7. Add Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts on top of the whipped cream for an extra layer of texture.

Recipe Variations

Switch things up with these fun variations for your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

• Mixed Berry Shortcake Cups: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful, juicy twist.
• Chocolate Shortcake Cups: Add cocoa powder to your cake mix for a chocolate version of this treat.
• Lemon Shortcake Cups: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cake mix for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Vegan Shortcake Cups: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative for a vegan version.
• No-Bake Version: Use store-bought sponge cake or ladyfingers for a quick, no-bake option.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Strawberry Shortcake Cups stay fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Keep any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the individual components—cake, strawberries, and whipped cream—separately. Assemble the cups once ready to serve.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen components in the fridge overnight before assembling and serving.

Special Equipment

Here’s a list of kitchen tools that will help you make your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To whip the cream to perfection.
• Cupcake Pan: For making individual cake portions (optional).
• Glass Cups or Bowls: For serving the shortcake cups.
• Cookie Cutter: For cutting uniform pieces of cake.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

• Can I use store-bought cake?
  Yes, you can use store-bought sponge cake or angel food cake if you’re short on time.
• Can I make these gluten-free?
  Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your whipped cream is gluten-free as well.
• Can I use frozen strawberries?
  Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw and drain them before use.
• Can I prepare these the night before?
  Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them the day you’re serving.

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Conclusion

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect balance of sweet, fluffy, and refreshing, making them a must-try treat for any occasion. With their light, airy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, they’re a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The individual servings not only make them easy to serve but also add a fun, personal touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings—like a drizzle of chocolate, a handful of crushed nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract in the whipped cream. These little cups are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy and happy baking!