Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics
Delight in these cute and delicious Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, perfect for any occasion!
These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful twist on the traditional shortcake. Perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor, they are sure to impress your guests!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and airy sponge cake complements fresh strawberries perfectly
- Individual servings make them great for parties and gatherings
- Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup
A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the epitome of delightful desserts. Their charming size makes them ideal for everything from birthday parties to casual gatherings. Guests will appreciate the individual servings, allowing them to indulge without the mess of a traditional cake. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday celebration, these mini cups will surely impress everyone at the table.
The vibrant red strawberries paired with the light sponge cake create a visually appealing dessert that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch in no time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your event.
A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet. The sponge cake is light and fluffy, providing the perfect base for luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This balance of textures and flavors is what makes Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups a classic treat.
Even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, the straightforward steps make it easy to follow along. The ability to prepare these cups in advance makes them a convenient choice for busy hosts. Just assemble them shortly before serving, and you’re ready to go!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
If you have any leftover Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last for up to two days. Just keep in mind that the whipped cream might start to lose its fluffiness over time. To keep things fresh, consider adding the whipped cream just before serving if you're making these in advance.
For added flair, consider garnishing your shortcake cups with mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a mixed berry version. This versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to your seasonal fruit availability or personal preferences.
Ingredients
For the Shortcake Cups
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Mix the shortcake ingredients until smooth and pour into cupcake liners for baking.
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
Make 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, and mix until smooth.
Bake the Shortcake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.
Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cups
Once the shortcake cups are cooled, remove them from the liners. Fill each cup with whipped cream and top with macerated strawberries. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups with family and friends!
Tips for the Perfect Shortcake
To achieve the lightest texture for your shortcake cups, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cakes, so mix until just combined for the best results. Additionally, be sure to preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. This subtle addition brings a refreshing brightness that pairs beautifully with strawberries and can elevate your dessert to the next level.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Swap out strawberries for other seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries, adjusting the sugar in the maceration step as needed. You can also switch up the whipped cream for flavored versions, such as almond or coconut, to offer a unique twist on this classic dessert.
For a more decadent touch, incorporate a layer of vanilla custard or pastry cream between the whipped cream and the fruit. This additional layer adds creaminess and enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a delightful treat for dessert enthusiasts.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, consider using decorative cupcake liners or small glass jars to elevate their presentation. This not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a touch of elegance to your desserts, perfect for special occasions.
Pair these delightful cups with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or sparkling lemonade, to complement their sweetness. This balance of flavors and textures will make your dessert table a hit, ensuring that your guests leave with satisfied smiles.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble them just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for strawberries?
You can use other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream can save time and still taste delicious.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Delight in these cute and delicious Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Cozy Dessert Classics
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 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
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, and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling them halfway.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Once the shortcake cups are cooled, remove them from the liners. Fill each cup with whipped cream and top with macerated strawberries. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g