Looking for a quick and fun dessert? These Strawberry Shortcake Cups are perfect! With fresh strawberries, a soft cupcake base, and creamy goodness, this recipe makes impressing your friends easy. Whether you want to enjoy them right away or save for later, you'll love how simple they are to make. Join me as I walk you through the steps to create these delicious treats!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity: The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream creates a delightful and refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers looking for a delicious dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: These individual cups are not only visually appealing but also make serving and sharing easy at gatherings and parties.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruits or add different flavors to the whipped cream, making this recipe versatile for any palate.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Fresh strawberries are the star of this dish. They bring sweet and juicy flavor. The sugar helps draw out their natural juices. This makes them even yummier! Set them aside to soak in their own goodness.
Baking Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients create a light and fluffy cupcake base. The flour and baking powder are key for rise. Butter adds moisture and flavor. Milk keeps the texture soft, while vanilla gives it a lovely taste.
Cream and Garnishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
The whipped cream tops off this dessert with richness. Powdered sugar sweetens the cream just right. Mint leaves add a pop of color and a fresh touch. Together, they make each cup look and taste special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Start by hulling and slicing your fresh strawberries. This means removing the green tops. Place the sliced strawberries in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Toss them to coat. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the strawberries release their juices. The result is a sweet, syrupy mix that adds great flavor.
Making the Cupcake Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or use cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these dry ingredients well. Now, add 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin cups. Fill each cup about halfway. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Once the cupcakes are cool, it's time to whip the cream. In a clean bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Now, take each cupcake and cut it in half horizontally.
In serving cups, place the bottom half of each cupcake. Layer some of the macerated strawberries on top. Then, add a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the cupcake back on. Finish by topping each cup with more whipped cream, additional strawberries, and a fresh mint leaf for decoration. Enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake cups!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Sweetening Strawberries
Sweetening strawberries adds flavor. Start by slicing your strawberries. Use 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix the sugar with the strawberries in a bowl. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their juices. The result is a sweet, syrupy mix that enhances your dessert.
Achieving Perfect Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is key to this dessert. Use cold heavy cream for the best results. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the cream. Whip until stiff peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape well. Don't overwhip or it may turn grainy. Perfect whipped cream is smooth and fluffy.
Presentation Tips for Eye-Catching Cups
Presentation matters in desserts. Use clear cups to show off the layers. Start with the cupcake base, then add strawberries. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Finish with more strawberries and a mint leaf. This makes your dessert look fresh and inviting. A beautiful dessert makes the first bite even better.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the best flavor and sweetness in your shortcake cups.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure light and fluffy cupcakes, mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Chill the Whipping Cream: For better whipping results, chill both the mixing bowl and the heavy cream before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- Garnish with Fresh Mint: Adding a sprig of mint not only enhances the presentation but also provides a refreshing flavor contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
Variations
Alternate Fruit Combinations
You can swap strawberries for many fruits. Blueberries work great. Raspberries add a tart touch. Peaches bring a sweet and juicy flavor. Mix your favorites for a colorful cup. Each fruit adds a unique taste. Don’t hesitate to be creative!
Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options
To make these cups gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend has xanthan gum for better texture. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk in place of regular milk. Also, coconut cream serves well for whipped cream. These swaps keep the dessert tasty and light.
Adding Flavor Infusions
You can infuse extra flavors easily. Add lemon zest for a bright kick. Almond extract gives a nutty aroma. Try a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. Each flavor will make the cups special. Experiment and find your perfect match!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cups
You may have some cups left after a fun meal. Store these in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days. Make sure to keep the whipped cream separate. This keeps it fluffy and tasty.
Best Practices for Freezing
If you want to freeze your Strawberry Shortcake Cups, it's easy. First, assemble the cups without the whipped cream. Wrap each cup in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your cups again, remove them from the fridge. If they are frozen, let them thaw first. You can warm them in the microwave. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat. Then top with fresh whipped cream and strawberries before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Strawberry Shortcake Cups ahead of time. Prepare the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to one day. You can also make the whipped cream a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Assemble the cups right before serving for the best taste and look.
How do I keep the cupcakes from getting soggy?
To keep the cupcakes from getting soggy, let them cool completely. Do not add the strawberries until you are ready to serve. The moisture from the strawberries can soak into the cupcakes. You can also layer whipped cream between the strawberries and the cupcake. This layer acts as a barrier, helping to keep the cupcake dry.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Another option is to whip milk with butter. Mix 1/3 cup of melted butter with 2/3 cup of milk. This mix can mimic heavy cream in recipes.
In this post, we explored how to create delightful strawberry shortcake cups. We covered fresh strawberries, baking ingredients, and garnishing tips. I provided step-by-step instructions on preparing strawberries, making the cupcake base, and assembling the cups. We discussed best practices for sweetening, whipping cream, and presenting your cups beautifully. You learned about variations with different fruits and options for dietary needs. Finally, we highlighted how to store leftovers properly. Enjoy making this tasty treat, and let your creativity shine with each cup you prepare!
