Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering or special occasion. They are not only beautiful to look at, but they also combine the delicious flavors of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and light vanilla cake. These mini parfaits are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while being simple enough to whip up for a casual family dessert or an elegant party.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Ingredients

1 baked vanilla cake layer, crumbled
1 tbsp sugar (optional)
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry puree
Pink food coloring (optional)
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Pink sanding sugar (optional)
Heart-shaped decorations (optional)

Directions

Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it is smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix well.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Divide the mixture in half; add the strawberry puree to one half to create a strawberry cream.
Crumble the vanilla cake layer into small pieces.
In dessert cups, layer the crumbled cake, strawberry cream, sliced strawberries, and vanilla cream. Repeat the layers as desired.
Pipe a swirl of strawberry cream on top of each cup for a nice finish.
Optionally, sprinkle pink sanding sugar or add heart-shaped decorations for extra flair.
Chill the dessert cups before serving for the best flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Serve these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups chilled. They make a lovely addition to any dessert table. You can present them right in the cups or transfer them onto a nice serving platter for an elegant look. Pairing these cups with a fresh mint leaf or a small sprig of lavender can add a special touch.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

To keep the Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups fresh, store them in the refrigerator. They should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. If made in advance, it’s best to consume them within 2-3 days to enjoy the best texture of the whipped cream and freshness of the strawberries.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

If you want to make the dessert even more special, add a layer of your favorite jam under the strawberries.
For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese in the cream mixture.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor, and feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries.

Variation

You can easily customize this dessert by switching up the fruit. For example, try using peaches or blueberries as an alternative to strawberries. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or orange, for a unique twist on the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cake instead of homemade?
Yes, using a store-bought vanilla cake can save you time and still result in a delicious dessert.

How can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?
You can prepare the cream and cake layers a day before and assemble them just before serving them for freshness.

Can I freeze the strawberry shortcake dessert cups?
It’s best to avoid freezing the assembled cups, as the cream may become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the cake and strawberry puree separately and assemble the cups later.