Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable)
Individual shortcake cups combining fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a light, portable treat.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Shortcake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tbsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ For the Strawberries
09 - 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tsp lemon juice
→ For the Whipped Cream
12 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
13 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
06 - Divide the dough evenly among 6 muffin cups. Bake for 16–18 minutes until the tops are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan before removing.
07 - While the shortcakes bake, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juices.
08 - Beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.
09 - Slice each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a serving plate, layer with macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half and add more strawberries and cream. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The individual portions mean everyone gets their fair share of crispy edges and tender centers
- These transport beautifully for picnics or potlucks without the mess of slicing a large cake
02 -
- Cold ingredients are non-negotiable for flaky shortcakes
- The strawberries need time to macerate so their juices create that natural sauce
03 -
- Use a light touch when mixing the dough—treat it like you are handling something fragile
- Room temperature ingredients for the wet mixture helps them combine smoothly