Strawberry shortcake dessert cups are an easy and delicious treat! These individual servings feature moist vanilla cake topped with sweet strawberry sauce and creamy cream cheese whipped cream. Perfect for parties or a sunny afternoon, these dessert cups can also be made as a no-bake option, making them versatile for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these delightful dessert cups in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a birthday party, these cups are sure to impress.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Delicious Layers: The combination of vanilla cake, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Individual Servings: These dessert cups are great for portion control and make serving a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare strawberry shortcake dessert cups, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Heat-proof bowl
• Plastic dessert cups (2-ounce)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures that your cream cheese whipped cream achieves the perfect texture quickly.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the strawberries evenly without burning them.
• Plastic dessert cups: Convenient for serving individual portions, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 3 cups vanilla cake crumbs (see ingredients for more information)*

For the Strawberry Sauce

• 1 lb strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

• 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• ½ cup fresh strawberries (diced)

this recipe

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake

If baking your own cake, follow box mix directions or use a homemade vanilla or white cake recipe. Check out my recipes for Classic Vanilla Cake or Classic White Cake. You can also see ingredient options for a no-bake recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Crumbs

Crumble the baked vanilla cake into small pieces. Portion these crumbs into 28 2-ounce plastic cups, filling each cup about half full.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries and granulated sugar over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until softened and thickened, which should take about 15 minutes. Use a fork or potato masher to break up the strawberries. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip cold cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in vanilla extract. Switch the mixer to low speed and slowly drizzle in heavy cream. Once all heavy cream is added, scrape again and turn up to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble Dessert Cups

Spoon cooled strawberry sauce over the vanilla cake crumbs in each cup. Pipe or spoon on the cream cheese whipped cream. Top each dessert cup with diced strawberries for garnish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Seal each cup with a lid and chill in the refrigerator. These dessert cups can be served immediately or stored for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Serving Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups can turn any gathering into a delightful experience. These individual treats are not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to pair with various accompaniments.

Individual Dessert Cups

• Use clear plastic or glass cups for a beautiful presentation, showcasing the layers of cake, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream.

Family Style Presentation

• Arrange multiple dessert cups on a large platter. This makes it easy for guests to serve themselves and adds a festive touch to your table.

Garnish with Fresh Mint

• Adding fresh mint leaves on top enhances flavor and adds a pop of color to your dessert cups.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra creamy treat that complements the dessert perfectly.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent twist to the classic strawberry shortcake taste.

Create a DIY Topping Bar

• Set up a toppings station with additional strawberries, nuts, and sprinkles so guests can customize their dessert cups.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Achieving the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dessert game.

• Use fresh strawberries: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries whenever possible. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well.
• Chill your ingredients: Keep cream cheese and heavy cream cold before whipping. This helps achieve fluffy, stable whipped cream.
• Layer thoughtfully: Alternate layers of cake crumbs, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream for an enticing visual effect and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or lemon zest to the whipped cream for unique flavor profiles.
• Make ahead: Prepare these cups a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled overnight.
• Keep it light: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for added tanginess without sacrificing texture.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
2. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites of rich dessert.
3. Grilled Peaches: The warm, caramelized peaches complement the cold dessert while adding a unique twist.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs well with sweet flavors, providing great texture contrast.
5. Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a lighter side that still feels indulgent.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Offering another dessert option keeps things exciting while maintaining similar flavors.
7. Pistachio Cookies: Nutty cookies provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy textures.
8. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add sweetness and a tropical flair that complements strawberries beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups can be fun and rewarding, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Using stale cake: Ensure you use fresh vanilla cake crumbs. Stale cake can affect the texture and taste of your dessert cups. Always check the freshness before using.
• Overcooking the strawberry sauce: Cooking the strawberries too long can make them mushy. Aim for a soft yet chunky consistency after about 15 minutes on medium-low heat.
• Not cooling the sauce properly: Skipping the cooling step may cause the whipped cream to melt when combined. Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely before layering it with cake crumbs.
• Skipping the chilling process: Serving immediately might not give you the best flavor. Letting your cups chill allows the flavors to meld and results in a more refreshing treat.
• Ignoring portion control: Filling each cup too full can lead to messy servings. Aim for about ½ full for perfect portions that are easy to eat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers or sealable plastic cups.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

• Use freezer-safe containers or cups with lids.
• Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds on low power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups ahead of time?

You can prepare these dessert cups a day in advance by making the cake crumbs, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream. Layering them just before serving will keep everything fresh.

Can I substitute other fruits in my Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups?

Absolutely! While strawberries are traditional, feel free to use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a fun twist on this recipe.

Are Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! You can use gluten-free vanilla cake mix or homemade gluten-free cakes as a base for your dessert cups.

What variations can I try with Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups?

Consider adding different flavored extracts such as almond or lemon to enhance flavors. You could also incorporate layers of chocolate or nuts for added texture!

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make an ideal treat for summer parties or family gatherings. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fruits or toppings! Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a delightful dessert experience!

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Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 28 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups, a perfect treat for any occasion. These individual servings feature moist vanilla cake crumbles layered with sweet homemade strawberry sauce and topped with creamy cream cheese whipped cream, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Ideal for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or simply a sunny afternoon snack, these dessert cups are not only enjoyable to eat but also easy to make. With options for no-bake preparation, you can customize them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat. Serve them in clear cups to showcase their beautiful layers and watch as they become the star of your dessert table!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups vanilla cake crumbs
• 1 lb strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup fresh strawberries (diced)

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Instructions

1. Bake or crumble your vanilla cake into small pieces and fill 28 plastic cups halfway with the crumbs.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries and sugar over medium-low heat until softened, about 15 minutes; let cool.
3. For the whipped cream, use an electric mixer to beat cold cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream while mixing until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble by layering strawberry sauce over cake crumbs in each cup, followed by the whipped cream topping and diced strawberries for garnish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 dessert cup (80g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use fresh strawberries for optimal flavor; if using frozen, ensure they are well-thawed. Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the whipped cream for a unique twist. These dessert cups can be made up to a day ahead for enhanced flavor melding.