Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes
These delightful Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion, combining light sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are an irresistible dessert that brings back childhood memories of summer picnics. These little delights are simple to make, and they pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home!
Why You'll Love These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
- Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor
- Light and airy sponge cake complements the creaminess
- Perfectly portioned for easy serving and sharing
A Sweet Celebration of Flavors
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The softness of the sponge cake pairs beautifully with the juiciness of fresh strawberries, creating a refreshing dessert that feels light yet satisfying. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness from the strawberries and cream, making them a hit at parties, picnics, or any festive gathering.
This recipe allows the natural sweetness of the strawberries to shine through. When selecting your strawberries, opt for firm, ripe berries that are vibrant in color. They should be fragrant and free of blemishes. The quality of the fruit is key to achieving a deliciously refreshing taste in your shortcake cups.
Versatile and Adaptable
One of the best things about Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups is their versatility. While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. The sponge cake acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to customize the dessert to match the season or your personal preferences.
You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the whipped cream or use unsweetened fruit. This adaptability makes these mini treats not only appealing but also accommodating to various dietary preferences. They can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend, allowing even more people to enjoy this delectable dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a summer barbecue, or simply want a sweet treat for a cozy night in, Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are an ideal choice. Their individual servings make them easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful presentation, and you’ll love how effortless they are to make.
These cups can also be prepared ahead of time, making them a practical option for busy hosts. Assemble the shortcakes and whipped cream in advance, and simply add the strawberries just before serving to maintain their freshness. This allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Shortcake Cups
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix the strawberries with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness if desired.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Shortcake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in milk and vanilla until well combined.
Bake the Shortcakes
Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cups
Once the shortcakes are cool, carefully cut them in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries, add a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half back. Top with more strawberries and cream as desired.
Chill the assembled cups for a few minutes before serving for an extra refreshing treat!
Tips for Success
To ensure your sponge cake rises perfectly, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old or expired baking powder can lead to flat shortcakes. Additionally, be cautious not to overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cakes light and fluffy.
When whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before starting. Cold equipment helps the cream whip up faster and increases the chances of achieving those lovely soft peaks. If you like a sweeter whipped cream, feel free to adjust the powdered sugar to your taste.
Storage Suggestions
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the components separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the sponge cakes from becoming soggy. Store the whipped cream and strawberries in airtight containers for up to two days.
If you're planning to make these cups in advance, consider preparing the sponge cakes and whipped cream a day ahead, and then assemble them on the day of your event. This will not only save you time but also ensure that your dessert is fresh and delicious when served.
Nutritional Information
While Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a delightful treat, it's always good to be mindful of portion sizes. Each cup is a small indulgence that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The fresh strawberries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice compared to many other desserts.
For those looking to make these treats a bit healthier, consider using low-fat milk and reducing the sugar in the cream. You can also swap out regular butter for a healthier alternative like applesauce in the shortcake mix. These small adjustments can help you enjoy your dessert while keeping health in mind.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ How long can these shortcake cups be stored?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the shortcake cups a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.
→ What other fruits can I use?
You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
These delightful Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion, combining light sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shortcake Cups
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in milk and vanilla until well combined.
Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Once the shortcakes are cool, carefully cut them in half. Layer the bottom half with strawberries, add a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half back. Top with more strawberries and cream as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g