Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cups For Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 small sponge cakes or pound cake slices, cut into cubes

Highlighted under: Dessert Time

I absolutely love serving Strawberry Shortcake Cups at gatherings. They are not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to assemble. Each cup is a delightful combination of fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and soft cake, all served in a convenient format that guests can grab and enjoy. Perfect for summer parties or any festive occasion, these cups bring a burst of sweetness and a refreshing taste that everyone adores. Trust me, they will become a staple at your celebrations just like they have in mine!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:04:18.300Z

When I first made these Strawberry Shortcake Cups for a family gathering, I had no idea how much of a hit they would be. The combination of textures—from the soft sponge cake to the creamy topping—was just perfect. I learned that letting the strawberries macerate for a bit enhances their sweetness, making the whole dessert even more delightful.

One tip I’d share is to use freshly whipped cream instead of store-bought; it makes a world of difference in both taste and texture. Perfectly sweetened and fluffy, it complements the strawberries beautifully, creating a dessert that is light yet satisfying.

Why You'll Love These Cups
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Fresh strawberries enhance the sweetness and flavor
Perfect for parties—no mess, just fun!
Customizable with your favorite fruits or toppings

Understanding the Importance of Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your strawberries will greatly influence the overall flavor of your Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Choose strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots. If fresh strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen berries, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the cups soggy.

Using high-quality heavy cream will yield the best whipped cream. Look for one with at least 36% fat content; this will create a rich, stable whipped cream that holds its shape beautifully. Remember to chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before whipping for the best volume and texture.

Perfecting the Whipped Cream Technique

When whipping cream, it's crucial not to overbeat it to avoid turning it into butter. Start on a low speed until small bubbles begin to form, then gradually increase to medium-high. You'll know it's ready when it holds stiff peaks, which means that the cream forms firm and stable peaks that keep their shape, perfect for layering in these cups.

If you prefer a sweeter whipped cream, adjust the powdered sugar according to your taste. You can also infuse the whipped cream with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of citrus zest, espresso powder, or even a splash of liqueur, like Amaretto, for a unique twist on classic flavor.

Customizing Your Strawberry Shortcake Cups

These cups are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. Feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even mixed berries. Just remember to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruits used, as some may require a little more or less than the strawberries.

Consider adding layers of flavor by incorporating a fruit compote or a drizzle of chocolate sauce between the layers. For a fun twist, mix in a layer of cookie crumbs or granola for added texture. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft whipped cream and cake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

For the Cups

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 small sponge cakes or pound cake slices, cut into cubes

Prepare these ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quicker!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your strawberry shortcake cups:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

In serving cups, layer the cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a spoonful of strawberries with their juices, and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing off with a layer of whipped cream on top.

Your Strawberry Shortcake Cups are now ready to impress your guests!

Pro Tips

For a variation, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for added brightness, or fold in some liqueur to the whipped cream for an adult twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing these Strawberry Shortcake Cups for a party, you can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream fresh and the strawberries firm. However, avoid stacking them too tightly as this might compress the layers, affecting the presentation.

For longer storage, consider preparing the components separately. You can keep the sponge cake cubes and strawberries in airtight containers for up to two days, and then layer them with whipped cream just before serving. This helps preserve the texture of each component, ensuring a delightful experience for your guests.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger gathering, scaling up this recipe is quite simple. Just multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need. For instance, for 24 cups, you'll need 2 pounds of strawberries, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 24 sponge cake cubes. Be sure to adjust the sugar levels to taste based on the quantity of fruit used.

When scaling, consider using larger serving cups or glasses to accommodate the increased layers. This might require additional mixing time for the whipped cream, so ensure you have sufficient space in your mixing bowl to whip the larger quantities effectively. If you're short on time, enlist a friend to help streamline the assembly process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, check that you're using cold cream and a chilled bowl. Cream that is too warm won’t whip properly. Additionally, ensure that you're blending on the right speed—too high can lead to splatters without incorporating air effectively. If it doesn’t thicken, you can try to re-whip it for a few more minutes.

For soggy cups, be cautious with the amount of fruit juices you incorporate. While the strawberry juices add flavor, too much can make the layers drippy. To manage this, drain the strawberries lightly before layering, and consider separating the layers of cream and fruit with a layer of cake to absorb excess moisture and maintain a clean aesthetic.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can these cups be stored?

They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.

→ Can I make the components ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whipped cream and sliced strawberries in advance, just assemble the cups right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for the sponge cake?

You can use graham crackers, ladyfingers, or even chocolate cake for a fun twist!