Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups with Whipped Cream
Individually layered strawberry shortcake dessert cups made with soft cake cubes, fresh strawberries, and lightly sweetened whipped cream, designed for make-ahead parties and clean presentation.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Dessert cups or small glasses
Ingredients
Dessert Cups
- 2 cups cubed vanilla cake or sponge cake
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water, remove the stems, and slice them evenly to ensure consistent texture in each dessert cup.
- Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and gently stir to coat the fruit evenly.
- Set the strawberries aside for about 10 minutes so they release their natural juices and form a light syrup.
- Cut the vanilla cake or sponge cake into small, even cubes to allow for clean layering and even moisture absorption.
- Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl, making sure the bowl and cream are well chilled for best whipping results.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream before whipping.
- Whip the cream until soft to medium peaks form, stopping as soon as the cream holds its shape without becoming stiff or grainy.
- Add a layer of cake cubes to the bottom of each dessert cup, gently pressing them into place without compacting.
- Spoon a layer of strawberries along with a small amount of their juices over the cake layer to add moisture and flavor.
- Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
- Repeat the layering process once more, finishing with a smooth layer of whipped cream on top.
- Cover the dessert cups and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
Use day-old cake for better structure and avoid overwhipping the cream to maintain a smooth, light texture.