If you are looking for a delightful, no-fuss dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite, this Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, sweet strawberries mingling with soft pound cake and fluffy whipped cream—all layered beautifully in individual cups for a fun and elegant presentation. It’s a fresh, colorful treat that feels like a celebration and is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with their fresh flavors makes this recipe a cherished favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting just four simple ingredients right makes this Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe so easy and rewarding. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the juicy strawberries providing natural sweetness and vibrant color, to the pound cake offering a tender, buttery texture that soaks up all the fruity goodness perfectly.
- Fresh Strawberries, 2 cups sliced: Use ripe berries for the best sweetness and bright red color to really make your cups pop.
- Sugar, 1/4 cup: Tossed with berries, sugar draws out their natural juices creating a luscious syrup.
- Pound Cake, 2 cups cubed: A soft, buttery base that balances the tartness of the strawberries beautifully.
- Whipped Cream, 1 cup: Light and airy, it adds creaminess and a luscious texture to every spoonful.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe
Step 1: Sweeten the Strawberries
Start by tossing your fresh sliced strawberries with the quarter cup of sugar. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes so the sugar melts and creates a sweet, juicy syrup. This step transforms simple berries into a bursting flavor that’s essential for this dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pound Cake
While the berries macerate, cut your pound cake into bite-sized cubes. Using pound cake instead of traditional shortcake adds buttery richness and a tender crumb that pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now comes the fun and elegant part—assembling the cups. Start with a layer of pound cake cubes, followed by a generous spoonful of the sweetened strawberries with their syrup, and then a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers as needed to fill your serving cups beautifully.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Pop the layered cups into the fridge for about 30 minutes or more. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and ensures the dessert is refreshing when served.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Top your finished cups with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a burst of color. Small chocolate shavings or a drizzle of honey can also make a stunning garnish.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp drink like sparkling lemonade or an iced tea. For a brunch spread, consider offering fresh fruit salad or a cheese platter to complement the sweet, creamy tones of the shortcake cups.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cups in clear mason jars for a rustic vibe or use delicate glass dessert bowls to elevate the presentation. You can also layer them in small trifle dishes for a larger crowd. Adding a cute striped straw or a decorative spoon turns the experience into a delightful event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pound cake may soak up some liquid over time, so they’re best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when stored.
Freezing
This recipe is best served fresh due to the whipped cream and fresh strawberries; freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor significantly.
Reheating
Since the Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe is designed to be served cold, reheating is not advised. Instead, enjoy them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before layering to keep the cups from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for pound cake?
If you don’t have pound cake, angel food cake or sponge cake are great alternatives. They also absorb the strawberry syrup nicely while adding their own unique texture.
Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can use coconut whipped cream or any other dairy-free whipped topping to keep this dessert vegan-friendly while maintaining that fluffy creaminess.
How long can I prepare the cups in advance?
It’s best to assemble the cups a few hours before serving and chill them in the fridge. Assembling more than a day ahead might lead to soggy cake, so for the freshest taste and texture, overnight is the max.
Can I make this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! The Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredients and assemble the cups in individual serving sizes or a large trifle dish for sharing.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. With only four core ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a luscious, refreshing dessert that delights everyone at the table. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for all your gatherings!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Cups recipe featuring layers of fresh, sweetened strawberries, cubed pound cake, and luscious whipped cream. Perfect for a quick no-bake dessert that’s best served chilled.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups pound cake, cubed
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 10 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
- Layer Ingredients: In serving cups, layer cubed pound cake, followed by strawberries with their juices, then a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering sequence of pound cake, strawberries, and whipped cream until the cups are filled.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cups before serving to allow flavors to meld and to enjoy them cold.
Notes
- Best served cold to enhance the freshness and texture.
- Use fresh whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream for better consistency.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
