Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box store-bought vanilla shortcake or biscuit mix; Butter as instructed on the package

Highlighted under: Sweet Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love making these Strawberry Shortcake Cups for parties! They're a delightful twist on the classic dessert, and they always impress my guests. The sweet strawberries paired with fluffy whipped cream and buttery shortcake create the perfect combination of flavors and textures. What I love most is how easy they are to assemble, allowing me to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a birthday or a summer gathering, these cups are always a hit!

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:37:24.729Z

Growing up, my favorite summer treat was always strawberry shortcake, and it inspired me to create these easy cups. I experimented with different methods and settled on this version, which uses store-bought shortcake for speed. The key is to macerate the strawberries in sugar beforehand; it brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.

I've hosted countless gatherings, and I can confidently say these cups are always a showstopper. One technique I've found is to layer the whipped cream just before serving to keep it fluffy. Trust me, this dessert will make you the star of any party!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Refreshing strawberry flavor with a hint of vanilla
Light and airy texture that's perfect for warm days
Individual servings make them easy to share at parties

Strawberry Preparation Tips

Choosing the right strawberries is crucial for the success of these cups. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant, as these will provide the best flavor and texture. If strawberries are not in season, feel free to substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, which can also add a unique flavor profile to the dessert.

After slicing the strawberries, mix them with sugar and vanilla, then let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a flavorful syrup that will meld beautifully with the whipped cream and shortcake, enhancing the overall taste when layered together.

Mastering Whipped Cream

When making the whipped cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are chilled for optimal results. This helps the cream whip faster and achieve a fluffy consistency. As you whip, stop when soft peaks begin to form; this will ensure the cream still has enough structure to hold its shape when layered in the cups.

For a flavor twist, you can infuse the whipped cream with additional ingredients, such as a splash of orange or almond extract. Make sure to balance the sweetness with powdered sugar to maintain the right consistency, and avoid over-whipping, which can turn the cream into butter.

Assembly and Serving Tips

Using clear cups not only shows off the beautiful layers of this dessert but also makes it easier for guests to grab their own serving. When layering, aim for an even distribution of strawberries and whipped cream between the shortcake layers. This ensures that every bite is a perfect combination of the three components.

For storage, these cups can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just be aware that the shortcake may soften slightly as it absorbs the strawberry juices; if you prefer a firmer texture, assemble them as close to serving time as possible.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to create these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cups.

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream

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

For the Shortcake

1 box store-bought vanilla shortcake or biscuit mix
Butter as instructed on the package

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for smooth assembly!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Strawberry Shortcake Cups.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip!

Bake the Shortcake

Prepare the shortcake mix according to the package instructions and bake. Once cooled, cut into small squares or rounds.

Assemble the Cups

In clear cups or glasses, layer the shortcake pieces, followed by the strawberry mixture, and then the whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cups!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these cups with other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a fun twist!

Variations to Consider

If you're looking to make these cups dairy-free, consider using coconut cream in place of the heavy whipping cream. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solid cream that forms on the top and whip it with a bit of powdered sugar for a creamy substitute that complements the strawberries beautifully.

For a gluten-free option, you can create your own shortcake using gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of the store-bought mix. This keeps the texture light and airy while catering to dietary needs; just ensure you follow a recipe designed for gluten-free baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shortcake doesn’t rise as expected, double-check your baking powder or the freshness of your mix. Old mixes can lose their leavening power, leading to dense shortcakes. Always read the expiration date and store your mixes properly as recommended.

In case your assembled cups start to look watery after refrigeration, this might be due to excess juicing from the strawberries. To counteract this, you can add a little cornstarch or gelatin to the strawberry mixture while letting it macerate, which will help thicken the juices for a better texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry mixture and whipped cream a day ahead. Just assemble them close to serving to keep them fresh.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can use any seasonal fruits you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches!

→ Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped topping is a great time-saver if you're short on time.

→ How long will the assembled cups last?

They are best eaten within 24 hours, as the shortcake can become soggy over time.