Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 cup whipped cream

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

These delightful Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion, delivering a burst of fresh strawberries atop a fluffy cake base.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T06:03:16.755Z

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are inspired by the classic dessert but made into a convenient, portable version. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a sweet treat at home!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy cake with a hint of vanilla
Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
Perfectly sized for sharing or enjoying solo

      

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful dessert that brings joy to any gathering. Whether it's a birthday party, picnic, or holiday celebration, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests. Their individual portions make them easy to serve and enjoy, allowing everyone to indulge without the guilt of a larger dessert.

The combination of light, fluffy cake and fresh strawberries creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the sweetness of the strawberries and the soft texture of the cake, making them irresistible. Plus, they can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy your event.

Tips for Perfect Shortcake Cups

To achieve the perfect shortcake cups, ensure that your butter is softened at room temperature. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy batter. Avoid over-mixing the ingredients; just combine them until smooth. Over-mixing can lead to dense cakes, which is not what we want for this airy dessert.

When baking, keep an eye on your cups as oven temperatures can vary. The goal is a golden-brown color, indicating they are fully cooked. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Enhancing Your Strawberry Topping

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider macerating the strawberries with a touch of lemon juice alongside the sugar. This adds a refreshing zing that elevates the taste profile. You can also experiment with adding a splash of vanilla extract or even a hint of balsamic vinegar for a gourmet twist.

If you're looking for an alternative to whipped cream, consider using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey. This will give you a creamy topping that's deliciously rich while still being light enough to complement the shortcake.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Cups

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated 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 Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup whipped cream

Mix the strawberries with sugar and let them sit for a while to release their juices.

Instructions

Prepare the Shortcake Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Bake the Cups

Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Make the Strawberry Topping

In a separate bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcake cups are cool, layer whipped cream and strawberries on top. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups!

Storing Your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups

These mini shortcake cups can be stored for up to two days in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it's best to add the strawberry topping just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent the cake from becoming soggy. If you have leftover whipped cream, store it separately in the refrigerator.

If you want to prepare these cups in advance, you can bake the shortcake bases a day ahead and keep them covered at room temperature. Prepare the strawberry topping and whipped cream on the day of serving for the best taste and texture.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Substitute strawberries with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different yet equally delicious treat. You can also mix fruits for a colorful medley that adds visual appeal to your dessert table.

For a chocolate twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the assembled cups or incorporating cocoa powder into the shortcake mix. This adds a decadent layer to the traditional shortcake, making it a delightful choice for chocolate lovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these shortcake cups in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcake cups a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for strawberries?

You can use any berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even peaches for a twist.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream is a quick and easy substitute.