Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 pound cake (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 cups whipped cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Cakes & Desserts

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake Cups for my gatherings. These delightful little desserts are not only visually appealing but also packed with the fresh flavors of ripe strawberries and creamy whipped topping. Each cup is a perfect portion, making them ideal for parties. With layers of tender cake, sweet strawberries, and light whipped cream, they come together quickly and always impress my guests. I can't wait to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy them just as much as I do!

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:01:23.556Z

When I first created these Strawberry Shortcake Cups, I wanted to make a dessert that was both fancy and fun. The vibrant strawberries combined with the fluffy whipped cream create a treat that everyone enjoys. One of my favorite tricks is to chill the cups in the fridge for about an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more refreshing.

Using store-bought pound cake cuts down on prep time, but feel free to make your own for an extra personal touch. I love adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream, which elevates the entire dessert. Trust me, this detail makes a world of difference and is a small step to impress your guests!

Why You'll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Light and airy texture that delights with every spoonful
Refreshingly sweet strawberries elevate any occasion
Individual servings make them perfect for sharing at parties

Perfecting Your Shortcake Cups

To achieve the ideal shortcake texture, you can use either store-bought pound cake or make your own. If opting for homemade, ensure you bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, as this will yield a firmer consistency that holds up well in the layers. Additionally, allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares to prevent it from crumbling.

When selecting strawberries, look for ripe, fragrant ones that have a vibrant red color. The sweetness of the strawberries is crucial, as they will be the star of the dessert. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Adjust the sugar accordingly, as different fruits have varying sugar levels.

Whipped Cream Wonders

The whipped cream is essential not only for texture but for balancing the sweetness of the strawberries. Slow and steady is key; beat the cream at medium speed until soft peaks form before gradually adding the powdered sugar and vanilla. This approach helps prevent over-whipping, which can turn the cream grainy. For a more decadent flavor, consider folding in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, which adds a rich and tangy element.

If you're looking to make this dessert in advance, the whipped cream can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Just be mindful that storing it for too long can lead to a loss in volume. To restore some of its fluffiness, give it a gentle re-whip before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

For the Shortcake Cups

1 pound cake (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups whipped cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Enjoy assembling your delicious strawberry shortcake cups with these simple ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

In another bowl, beat the heavy cream with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Cut the pound cake into small squares. In individual cups, layer the pound cake, followed by a generous amount of whipped cream, then the marinated strawberries. Repeat layers until cups are filled.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Top with additional whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.

Serve your Strawberry Shortcake Cups chilled and enjoy the deliciousness!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling a little balsamic glaze over the strawberries before layering. It adds an unexpected depth that beautifully complements the sweetness.

Layering Techniques

When assembling the cups, use a clear glass for maximum visual appeal. Start with a layer of pound cake, making sure to cut it into uniform squares for consistent layering. A good starting point is to fill the cup one-third full with cake, then layer a generous dollop of whipped cream, followed by the marinated strawberries. Aim for 2-3 layers, as this not only adds height but also presents a beautiful cross-section when viewed from the side.

If you find that your layers are becoming too dense, consider gently breaking the pound cake squares into smaller pieces. This allows for an airy construction that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dessert. Remember, a lighter touch will yield a more delicate balance between the cake, cream, and fruit.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. However, I recommend adding the final whipped cream and strawberry garnish just before serving to maintain their freshness and visual appeal. If making a large batch, consider using mason jars, which provide an easy way to prepare and serve individual portions.

To elevate these cups further, consider drizzling a balsamic reduction or chocolate syrup on top before serving. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but enhances the visual presentation. For an adult twist, a splash of liqueur, such as amaretto or vanilla vodka, can be stirred into the strawberries for added depth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cups a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components a day ahead, but it's best to assemble them just before serving to keep the cake fresh.

→ Can I substitute other fruits?

Absolutely! Peaches, blueberries, or raspberries would also work wonderfully in this recipe.

→ Is it possible to use store-bought whipped cream?

Definitely! Store-bought whipped cream is a great time-saver and works just as well in this recipe.

→ What can I do to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free pound cake to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.