Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in these adorable Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, perfect for a sweet treat or a delightful dessert at your next gathering!
These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a twist on the classic dessert, offering individual portions that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for summer parties or as a simple treat anytime!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh strawberries burst with flavor in every bite
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a perfect touch
- Individual servings make for easy sharing and enjoyment
A Perfect Summer Treat
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are ideal for summertime gatherings, picnics, or even casual weeknight desserts. Their light and airy texture combined with the fresh, juicy strawberries makes them a refreshing choice when the weather is warm. The individual servings not only make them easy to share but also add a charming touch to any dining table, ensuring that everyone gets their own delightful treat.
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, these mini cups filled with strawberries and whipped cream provide the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet tooth. Their small size means you can enjoy one (or two!) without feeling guilty, making them a go-to dessert for those warm evenings spent with family and friends.
Customization Options
One of the best things about Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups is their versatility. While the classic version features strawberries, you can easily swap these for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a twist on the original recipe. Experimenting with different fruits not only adds variety but also allows you to take advantage of seasonal produce, ensuring you always have the freshest flavors.
Additionally, you can personalize the whipped cream by adding flavors like almond extract or a splash of your favorite liqueur. For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream. These little adjustments can elevate your dessert experience and make it uniquely yours.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the presentation of your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, consider garnishing them with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. This simple touch can elevate the look of your dessert and impress your guests. Serving them on a decorative platter can also create an inviting display, making your dessert the star of the show at any event.
Pair your shortcake cups with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or sparkling lemonade to complement the sweetness of the strawberries. The combination of flavors and textures will make for an enjoyable dining experience that your guests will remember long after the last bite.
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, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Shortcake Cups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in heavy cream and egg until just combined. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.
Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool before removing from the tin.
Make the Strawberry Filling
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.
Whip the Cream
In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Assemble the Cups
Once the shortcake cups are cool, fill each with the strawberry mixture and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
These cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a short time before serving.
Tips for Success
To ensure your shortcake cups turn out perfectly, make sure your ingredients are cold, especially the butter and heavy cream. This helps create a light and tender texture in your shortcakes. Avoid overmixing the batter; just stir until combined to keep them fluffy.
When preparing the strawberry filling, allow the strawberries to sit for a while after mixing with sugar and lemon juice. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to develop, resulting in a more flavorful filling that perfectly complements the shortcake cups.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the shortcake cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The strawberry filling and whipped cream should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about three days.
To retain the best texture, assemble the cups right before serving. This will ensure that the whipped cream remains fluffy and the shortcakes don't become soggy from the strawberry juices. Preparing everything in advance makes it easy to put together a quick, delicious dessert when you're ready to serve.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
Yes, but fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture.
→ How do I store leftover shortcake cups?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the shortcakes and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to assemble.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Delight in these adorable Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, perfect for a sweet treat or a delightful dessert at your next gathering!
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
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, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in heavy cream and egg until just combined. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.
Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool before removing from the tin.
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.
In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Once the shortcake cups are cool, fill each with the strawberry mixture and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g