Intro
Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I love desserts that feel homemade but are simple enough to make for a crowd. Whether I’m serving Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies for bake sales or my Log Lemon Meringue Tart at family gatherings, I always look for recipes that are easy to serve and guaranteed to impress.
These Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups for Parties check all the boxes, they’re layered, colorful, and come together quickly. With fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, every spoonful tastes like summer. Best of all, they’re perfectly portioned, making them ideal for birthdays, showers, holidays, or any special event.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for parties – no cutting, slicing, or mess.
- Fresh and light – layers of strawberries, whipped cream, and cake.
- Quick assembly – 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Easy to customize – use pound cake, angel food, or shortcake.
- Make ahead friendly – assemble up to a day in advance.
- Kid-friendly – sweet, creamy, and perfectly portioned.
- Beautiful presentation – looks elegant with minimal effort.
Ingredients Breakdown
Strawberries
Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert. Dice them evenly and toss with a little sugar to draw out their natural juices.
Cake Layer
Use store-bought pound cake, angel food cake, or shortcake biscuits. For extra convenience, you can even use vanilla cupcakes sliced in half.
Whipped Cream or Topping
Homemade whipped cream adds lightness, while stabilized whipped topping holds up better for parties. Either option works beautifully.
Sugar & Vanilla
Enhance the strawberries and cream with a little sweetness and warmth from vanilla extract.
Optional Garnish: Crumbled Cookies or Mint Leaves
For extra texture and color contrast, add a small garnish on top. Crushed vanilla wafers or a mint sprig look gorgeous.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
- Prep the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and dice the strawberries. Toss with sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes until juicy. - Prepare the Cake
Cut your cake into small cubes (about 1 inch). This makes layering easier and ensures even bites in every cup. - Whip the Cream
Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. If using whipped topping, keep it chilled until assembly. - Layer the Cups
Add a layer of cake cubes to the bottom of each cup, followed by a spoonful of strawberries and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat once more for beautiful layers. - Top & Garnish
Finish with a swirl of whipped cream, a single strawberry slice, or a crumble of shortbread cookies for that bakery touch. - Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Flavor Twist: Add a drizzle of strawberry jam or compote between layers for extra sweetness.
- High-Protein Option: Use High Protein Yogurt Bowls as inspiration, swap whipped cream for Greek yogurt mixed with honey.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all layers separately and assemble the cups the morning of your event.
- For a Fancy Touch: Pipe the whipped cream using a star tip for professional-looking layers.
- Different Fruits: Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a seasonal twist.
Serving Suggestions
These dessert cups pair perfectly with other SoolFood favorites for a full celebration spread:
- Add savory balance with Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet.
- Serve alongside the elegant Log Lemon Meringue Tart for a stunning dessert duo.
- Or, for a fun bite-size option, include Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles (Pink & White) to complete your dessert table.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Keep dessert cups covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid Sogginess: Add strawberries just before serving if preparing in advance.
- Freezer Option: Freeze just the cake and strawberry mixture; assemble with fresh whipped cream when ready to serve.
Helpful FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before layering to prevent excess moisture.
What type of cups work best?
Clear plastic or glass cups (6–8 oz) show off the layers beautifully.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut whipped topping and dairy-free cake.
How can I transport these to a party?
Place cups in a deep baking dish or box and cover lightly with plastic wrap for easy carrying.
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups for Parties – Easy Mini Treats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy mini strawberry shortcake dessert cups layered with cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, perfect for parties.
Ingredients
2 cups diced strawberries
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups cubed pound cake or angel food cake
2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
Optional: mint leaves, crushed cookies for garnish
Instructions
1. Dice strawberries and mix with sugar; let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Cut cake into 1-inch cubes.
3. Whip cream with vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Layer cake, strawberries, and whipped cream into clear cups.
5. Repeat layers and top with whipped cream and garnish.
6. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead.
For dairy-free, use coconut whipped topping.
Add strawberry jam between layers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups for Parties bring the joy of classic strawberry shortcake into a perfectly portioned, no-fuss format. Sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and smooth whipped cream come together for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a shower, birthday, or backyard get-together, these cups will have everyone asking for seconds, and the recipe.