Easy Individual Strawberry Shortcake Cups
These quick and easy individual strawberry shortcake cups come together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for entertaining, they feature layers of macerated strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender sponge cake cups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 6 to 8 sponge cake cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Wash and dry strawberries. Hull and slice into thin pieces (about ¼ inch thick).
- Place sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and gently toss. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate.
- While strawberries macerate, pour cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip cream until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
- If desired, lightly toast sponge cake cups in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes for a crisper texture.
- Layer in serving cups: spoon macerated strawberries (with juice) into bottom, add a spoonful of whipped cream, crumble or place a piece of sponge cake on top. Repeat layers, ending with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice, mint sprig, or powdered sugar. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 30 minutes.
Notes
For best results, use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl. Do not overwhip cream—stop at soft peaks. Macerating strawberries is crucial for flavor; do not skip. Assemble just before serving for freshest texture. Can be made dairy-free with coconut cream and gluten-free with gluten-free cake cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, individual desserts, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, strawberry recipe