Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Name: Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh strawberries (Sliced and mixed with sugar); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (For macerating strawberries); 2 cups heavy whipping cream (Very cold for best results); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (For sweetening the whipped cream); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (For flavor); 1 (10-12 ounce) store-bought angel food cake or pound cake (Crumble or cut into small pieces)

Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of summer with its fresh flavors and light texture. Among the various ways to serve this delightful treat, Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups stand out for their simplicity and elegance. These individual servings not only make for a stunning presentation but also allow each person to enjoy their own portion. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply indulging in a warm afternoon treat at home. With the combination of juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and soft cake, every bite delivers happiness straight to your taste buds.

Why make this recipe? This version of strawberry shortcake is incredibly easy to prepare, taking mere minutes to put together. It uses fresh ingredients that highlight the flavors of strawberries, making it a seasonal favorite. By creating individual cups, you not only simplify serving but also enhance the dining experience. Each cup provides a delightful surprise of textures and tastes, combining the crunch of the cake, the softness of the cream, and the sweetness of the strawberries. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a warm day, Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups provide irresistible satisfaction that is quick and simple to achieve.

How to make Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Making Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups is an enjoyable and straightforward process. With just a few essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a refreshing dessert that everyone will love. These cups are great for both inexperienced cooks and seasoned chefs alike, making them an accessible treat for all.

Ingredients :

To prepare Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups, gather the following ingredients:

2 pounds fresh strawberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (10-12 ounce) store-bought angel food cake or pound cake

With these few ingredients, you will have everything you need to craft delicious strawberry shortcake cups that burst with flavor.

Directions :

Creating Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups involves just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the directions so you can start making this delightful dessert.

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes, which will help the strawberries release their natural juices.

Step 2: If you’re using store-bought shortcakes, crumble them into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you are using pound cake, cut or crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: In serving cups or glasses, layer the crumbled shortcake or pound cake at the bottom. Next, spoon a layer of the macerated strawberries and their juices over the cake layer. After that, top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, making sure to finish with a swirl of whipped cream on top. For a beautiful garnish, add a fresh strawberry slice and a mint leaf if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to keep things fresh.

As you can see, the process is entirely manageable, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch of these delightful cups.

Time Breakdown

To give you an idea of how long it will take to make Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups, here’s a simple breakdown:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for slicing strawberries and preparing ingredients)
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This short time frame makes it an ideal dessert for those who need something quick yet impressive.

How to serve Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups

When it comes to serving Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups, presentation is key! Serve them in clear cups or glasses, as this will allow the beautiful layers to show through, making them visually appealing. You can prepare these cups in advance and refrigerate them for about an hour before serving, making dessert time stress-free. Guests will love digging into their own individual cups, and the portioned sizes make it easy to manage servings for larger groups.

How to store Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups

If you have leftovers or need to make the cups ahead of time, proper storage is essential. Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving. However, if you need to store them longer, it’s best to separate the components. The strawberries can be kept in an airtight container, while the whipped cream can be whipped fresh prior to assembling. When ready to serve, just layer the ingredients again for the best taste and texture.

Tips to make Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups

To elevate your Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups, consider the following tips:

Chill Your Ingredients: For the best whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream is very cold. This helps the cream whip better and results in fluffier texture.
Add Flavor: For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of amaretto or other liqueur to the strawberries for extra flavor and depth.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The success of this dessert largely depends on the quality of the strawberries. Using fresh, ripe strawberries yields the best taste.
Alternate Toppings: You can customize your cups with various toppings, such as nuts, chopped chocolate, or coconut flakes to add more texture.

Variation

While this recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, you can easily customize your Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups. For example, incorporate different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version. You can also substitute the cake with gluten-free options or use yogurt instead of whipped cream for a lighter and healthier alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 280
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g

This dessert can be a delightful treat that you can enjoy without guilt when consumed in moderation.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh strawberries do provide the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Be sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using.

2. Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes! You can whip the cream a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it to regain fluffiness.

3. Can I substitute cake with another type?
Yes, you can substitute the angel food cake or pound cake with other types of cake (like sponge cake) or even biscuits for a different texture and taste.

In summary, Quick Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a charming and simple dessert that embodies the flavors of summer. With easy preparation and delightful layers of cake, strawberries, and cream, they are sure to please anyone who indulges in them. Gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward directions, and you’ll create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round with these quick and delightful treats!