Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups are pure summer joy layered in adorable, individual portions! Imagine tender, buttery shortcake baked into the perfect handheld cup, overflowing with juicy, sweet-tart strawberries and pillowy clouds of vanilla-scented whipped cream. These charming cups capture all the nostalgia and flavor of classic strawberry shortcake, but with the added fun (and ease) of single-serve presentation. They’re a showstopper for picnics, parties, or an unexpected weeknight treat whenever strawberries steal the spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups unforgettable is how a handful of classic, well-chosen ingredients come together so effortlessly. Each piece plays its own delicious role, from the rich golden cups to the gleaming red fruit and billowing cream on top.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the shortcake, giving your cups structure while still staying tender and light.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness for both the shortcake and strawberries, making every bite perfectly balanced.
• Baking Powder: This is what gives your shortcake cups that irresistible lift and crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and enhances all the other flavors, making the sweetness pop.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture — keep it cold for the flakiest results!
• Large Egg: Adds richness and binds your cups together seamlessly.
• Milk (whole or 2%): Moisture gives the dough its dreamy, soft crumb — whole milk makes it extra tender.
• Vanilla Extract: A cozy aromatic note that takes your shortcake from tasty to irresistible.
• Fresh Strawberries: The undisputed star, so pick berries that are ruby red and fragrant for the juiciest flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (for berries): Draws out the strawberries’ natural juices, creating a syrupy, jewel-toned filling.
• Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a spark of brightness and balances sweet with just a hint of tang.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Always start with cold cream for the fluffiest peaks in your whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar dissolves smoothly, making the whipped cream sweet and sturdy.
• Vanilla Extract (for cream): Echoes the notes in your shortcake, weaving all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

This simple step transforms fresh strawberries into the glossy, jammy filling that brings every bite to life. Gently toss your hulled, sliced berries with granulated sugar (and that optional splash of lemon juice if you love a spark of brightness). Let them rest in the fridge for 30 minutes — or up to 2 hours if you have time — to draw out juices and soften into a perfectly spoonable sauce.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Shortcake Cups

Preheat your oven and prep your muffin tin — a quick spray or dusting of flour does the trick. Start by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Work in your cold butter (cut into cubes) with a pastry blender, your fingertips, or pulse it in a food processor, until you see coarse crumbs with tiny butter bits. Whisk egg, milk, and vanilla in another bowl, then add to the dry mix. Gently stir just until combined; some lumps are fine and keep the crumb tender. Divvy the dough among 12 muffin cups for perfectly portioned shortcakes.

Step 3: Bake the Shortcake Cups

Pop your shortcake cups in the oven until they are beautifully golden and a toothpick comes out clean — usually 15 to 18 minutes. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully moving to a rack. That cooling time helps the cups set up, so they hold together for big helpings of berries and cream later on!

Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Whipped Cream

Cold is the secret word here! Chill your cream, mixing bowl, and whisk or beaters for unbeatable loft. Whip the cream just until it thickens, then add your powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip to soft or stiff peaks, as you like (just don’t go too far, or you might make butter). This whipped cream is pillowy, lightly sweet, and packs the magic into Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups.

Step 5: Assemble the Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups

When the cups are fully cool, decide whether you want to slice each in half horizontally or hollow out a little well in the top. Either way, spoon over a generous portion of those syrupy strawberries, then crown with a gorgeous swirl of whipped cream. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of berry syrup if you have it! Add the shortcake top or a decorative berry, and serve immediately for the dreamiest flavor and texture.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Garnishes

Finishing touches make these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups extra special. Tuck a small whole strawberry or a pretty fan of slices on top of the whipped cream. A mint sprig or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and freshness, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Side Dishes

These cups are the undeniable centerpiece of any dessert spread, but they also play nicely with others! Serve alongside iced tea, lemonade, or coffee. For a picnic, pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a playful sweet-then-savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Part of the fun is in customizing your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Try using clear cups or small mason jars to layer cake, berries, and cream for a trifle-style presentation. Or set up a DIY bar: let guests add berries, whipped cream, and extra toppings like chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an adult twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the unassembled shortcake cups in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream covered separately in the fridge. This way, each part keeps its best texture until you’re ready to enjoy more.

Freezing

The shortcake cups freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and slip into a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to dive back in. Strawberries aren’t ideal for freezing after maceration, but you can prep extra shortcakes to have strawberry season at your fingertips year-round!

Reheating

If you want that just-baked aroma and taste, warm the shortcake cups (unfilled) in a low oven or toaster oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their crispy edges and fluffiness beautifully. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.

FAQs

What’s the difference between these cups and classic strawberry shortcake?

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups have all the beloved flavors of classic shortcake but are individually portioned using a muffin tin, making them easy to serve, transport, and enjoy — perfect for parties, picnics, or anytime you want strawberry shortcake without the mess and fuss of slicing.

Can I use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available?

Fresh strawberries are best for flavor and appearance, but in a pinch, you can use frozen. Let them thaw fully and pat dry before macerating with sugar. Frozen berries may create more juice, so drain a bit if needed to avoid soggy shortcakes.

How far in advance can I prepare the components?

Shortcake cups can be baked up to two days ahead and kept in an airtight container. The strawberries are best macerated the day you plan to serve, while whipped cream can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for best results!

Are there gluten-free or dairy-free substitutions?

Yes! Try a good gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and use plant-based butter and milk for the dough. For the cream, chilled coconut cream whipped with a touch of sweetener works beautifully for a dairy-free option.

What’s the best way to transport these for a potluck or picnic?

Store each component separately: shortcake cups in a container, strawberries in a jar, and whipped cream in a chilled cooler. Assemble just before serving, or set up a build-your-own shortcake bar for extra fun and freshness wherever you go!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cups—every bite is sunshine, celebration, and sweetness. If you’re ready for a no-fail, crowd-pleasing treat that brings people together and makes any day feel like a special occasion, give these cups a try. Trust me, they’ll become your new go-to for strawberry season and any moment worth savoring.

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