Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Daily Food

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake Cups, especially during the warm summer months when fresh strawberries are at their peak. This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying treat at home. The light and fluffy biscuit paired with juicy strawberries and whipped cream creates a dessert that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. I enjoy crafting these little cups because they're easy to assemble and allow for personal touches, making each serving uniquely yours.

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:43:34.613Z

When I first started making Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I wanted to create something that captured the essence of summer in every bite. By using fresh strawberries and a light, airy biscuit, I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. One tip I've learned is to macerate the strawberries with a little sugar beforehand; it really enhances their natural sweetness and creates a lovely syrup that pairs beautifully with the cream.

I love how versatile this recipe is! You can easily substitute other berries if strawberries aren't your favorite or even add a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor. Each time I make these, I remember to keep the biscuit base light so it crumbles perfectly, complementing the creamy topping and luscious fruit.

Why You Will Love These Cups
Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor and create a beautiful presentation.
Light and fluffy biscuit base that is easy to make.
Perfectly balanced with sweet whipped cream.

Mastering the Biscuit Technique

The biscuit base is a crucial element of these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, as it provides a light and fluffy foundation that complements the strawberries and cream. When cutting in the cold butter, aim for a consistency similar to coarse crumbs, where small pieces of butter remain visible. This technique ensures the biscuits rise properly when baked, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Be careful not to overmix the dough; stirring until just combined is key to achieving the desired lightness.

Baking at the correct temperature is essential. Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) allows for a quick rise and creates beautifully golden edges. Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake; they should be lightly browned and firm to the touch, typically in about 12-15 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet to enhance their resilience, preventing them from collapsing when layered with strawberries and whipped cream.

Perfecting the Strawberry Filling

Selecting ripe, juicy strawberries is vital for the success of your filling. Look for berries that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch. When you macerate the strawberries with sugar, the natural juices will be released, forming a delicious syrup that adds moisture and sweetness to each cup. Letting them sit for about 10 minutes is often sufficient, but you can let them go for up to 30 minutes for an even deeper flavor profile.

If strawberries are out of season or you’re looking for a twist, consider substituting with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also mix in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of vanilla to elevate the flavor. Just keep in mind that different fruits may release varying amounts of liquid, so adjust the sugar according to taste to maintain balance.

Whipped Cream Wonders

Making whipped cream from scratch is simple, but the quality of your ingredients truly matters. Using heavy whipping cream with a fat content of at least 36% will yield the best results, as it whips up to soft peaks more easily and holds its shape better. For added stability, especially if you plan to prepare these cups ahead of time, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch or a splash of heavy cream stabilizer when beating.

To achieve that perfectly fluffy texture, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping. This helps incorporate air efficiently. Whip the cream until it reaches soft peaks, where it holds its shape yet still has a silky texture. Be cautious not to overbeat it, as that can lead to a grainy consistency or even butter forming.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to start your dessert adventure:

For the Biscuit Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Be sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious dessert:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate, allowing the natural juices to create a syrup.

Make the Biscuit Base

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the heavy cream just until combined.

Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut into squares and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Cut the biscuits in half and layer them with the macerated strawberries and whipped cream in individual cups or glasses. Top with more strawberries and a dollop of cream.

Serve immediately for the best taste experience!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider sprinkling some crushed cookies or nuts on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups make an excellent centerpiece for summer gatherings and picnics. You can serve them in elegant glasses or clear cups to showcase the beautiful layers of biscuit, strawberries, and whipped cream. For an added touch, consider garnishing with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor.

If you want to turn these into a more substantial dessert, feel free to layer in additional ingredients such as lemon curd or mascarpone cheese between the strawberries and cream. This introduces a tangy element that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the strawberries.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

While these Strawberry Shortcake Cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare elements ahead of time to save on prep the day you plan to serve them. The biscuit base can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s essential to keep them sealed to prevent them from drying out or becoming stale.

Macerated strawberries can also be prepared ahead of time; just keep them refrigerated. However, it's best to whip the cream shortly before serving to retain its lightness. If you have leftovers, these cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day, but note that the biscuits may soften due to the moisture from the strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, let them thaw completely and drain excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cups?

It's best to store the components separately. Keep the biscuit base and strawberries in airtight containers. Assemble them fresh when ready to serve.

→ Can I make these cups ahead of time?

You can prepare the biscuit base and strawberries a few hours in advance. Whip the cream just before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping for a lighter option, but the flavor and texture will differ.