Valentines Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable)
Layered cups featuring buttery shortcake, sweet strawberries, and vanilla whipped cream for romantic occasions.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shortcake
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 2/3 cup buttermilk
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Strawberries
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream
12 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in buttermilk and vanilla just until combined; do not overmix the dough.
05 - Drop 6 equal mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack.
06 - Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit for at least 10 minutes to release juices.
07 - Using a hand mixer, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
08 - Break each shortcake into bite-sized chunks. Layer in serving cups: shortcake pieces, spoonful of strawberries, then whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- These individual cups eliminate the awkward cake slicing moment at parties
- The homemade shortcake is infinitely better than those sponge cake cups from the grocery store bakery aisle
02 -
- Cold ingredients are nonnegotiable for tender shortcake, freeze your butter for 15 minutes if your kitchen runs warm
- The shortcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container, but assemble the cups just before serving
03 -
- Use a light touch when mixing the dough and stop as soon as the flour disappears
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance