Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable version)
Sweet strawberries layered with shortcake and whipped cream in individual cups, perfect for easy serving.
# 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
# Directions:
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 thoroughly 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. Pour into the flour mixture and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
05 - Divide the dough evenly among 6 muffin cups. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before assembling.
06 - 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 natural juices.
07 - Beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
08 - Slice each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a serving dish, layer with macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the remaining shortcake half and add more strawberries and cream. Serve immediately.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The individual portions mean everyone gets their own perfect little cake with no sharing required
- That moment when the whipped cream meets the macerated strawberries is pure magic
02 -
- Cold butter is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary shortcake, work quickly to keep it chilled
- Letting the strawberries macerate for the full 15 minutes creates that incredible syrup that soaks into the cake
03 -
- Use a light touch when mixing the dough, those tender crumbs are worth the restraint
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before whipping the cream for the fastest results