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Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups are the perfect sweet treat that captures the essence of summer in every delicious bite. These no-bake delights feature layers of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream, making them a stunning addition to any gathering. Whether for a picnic, birthday party, or cozy night in, these individual servings promise an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone smiling.
I whipped up a batch of these on a sunny Saturday for a family picnic, and everyone raved about the lightness and flavor. Now they are my go-to summer dessert whenever I need a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Vanilla cake mix: for a fluffy layer with consistent texture try to choose a trusted brand for best results
- Eggs: to add richness and binding fresh eggs will give your cake more lift
- Heavy whipping cream: this is the secret to a billowy whipped layer buy the coldest cream possible for stable peaks
- Powdered sugar: for sweetening the whipped cream and helping it hold form choose superfine for the smoothest result
- Fresh strawberries: the star add juicy brightness look for berries that are deeply red and fragrant
- Mint leaves: optional but they add fresh aroma and a pop of green color grab the freshest leaves to finish the cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cakes:
- Mix the vanilla cake mix with eggs in a large bowl until completely smooth and even. Divide the batter into the cupcake liners filling each about two-thirds full for even baking.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake the cupcakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until a toothpick comes out clean which should take about fifteen to twenty minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the cakes on a wire rack for the best texture.
- Macerate the Strawberries:
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin rounds and sprinkle with a spoonful of sugar. Let them sit for about fifteen minutes so the juices form a sweet syrup.
- Whip the Cream:
- Pour cold heavy cream into a chilled bowl and add powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form for a cloud-like texture.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups:
- Crumble cooled cupcakes into the bottom of each serving cup. Spoon over a layer of juicy strawberries and their syrup then add a generous swirl of whipped cream. Repeat the layers finishing with a final crown of whipped cream.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top each cup with a sprig of fresh mint if you have it for extra visual appeal. Serve immediately for the most vibrant flavors or chill briefly for a cool treat.
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You Must Know
- Strawberry Shortcake Cups keep well for several hours once assembled
- They are a fun and portable twist on classic shortcake which makes them ideal for parties or picnics
- You can easily adapt this recipe for other berries based on the season
My favorite moment with these is watching my daughter sneak the first bite after helping stack each beautiful layer. The best ingredient here really is the freshness of the berries which always shines through and reminds me of my grandma’s backyard patch.
Storage Tips
Store assembled dessert cups in the refrigerator covered with wrap to keep the cream fluffy and the cake moist. Best enjoyed the same day but leftovers are still delicious up to twenty four hours later. Wait to add the mint until right before eating for the freshest look.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have a cake mix you can use pound cake or angel food cake from the store. Swap in frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available but let them thaw fully and drain extra juice. Vegan whipped toppings can replace dairy whipped cream for a plant based version.
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Serving Suggestions
Dress up your cups with extra berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if serving for a celebration. Layer in small mason jars and tie with ribbon for picnic or party favors. A scoop of ice cream on the side is never a bad idea.
Cultural and Historical Context
Strawberry shortcake has roots in classic American baking tracing back to the mid nineteenth century. It was often a spring treat celebrating the strawberry harvest. Dessert cups like these are a playful modern spin that embrace both nostalgia and convenience.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works beautifully. Just ensure it bakes up light and fluffy to complement the layers.
- → How far in advance can I assemble the cups?
For the best texture, assemble the cups shortly before serving or up to a few hours ahead. Keep them chilled until ready to enjoy.
- → Do I have to use fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, though expect slightly more liquid.
- → What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
Prepared whipped topping or coconut whipped cream are good alternatives for the creamy layers and suit different dietary preferences.
- → Are other fruits suitable for these dessert cups?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be layered instead of—or alongside—strawberries for variety.
- → Can the dessert cups be made dairy free?
To make them dairy free, use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute coconut or almond milk-based whipped cream.