These Easy Mini Shortcake Cups are a fun and tasty treat for summer celebrations! With fluffy whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and light cakes, they’re perfect for sharing.
Building these little cups is like playing with dessert! I love how quick they are to make. Just layer the ingredients and you’re ready to impress your friends and family!
You can even let everyone create their own mix—it’s a perfect way to spark joy while enjoying those sunny days. Just make sure to have extra berries on hand; they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Angel Food Cake: This light cake is perfect for shortcakes! You can use store-bought to save time. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade tastes amazing. For a gluten-free option, consider a sponge cake or a gluten-free vanilla cake.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and taste. If they aren’t in season, freeze-dried strawberries can work too, just rehydrate them. You can swap strawberries for raspberries or blackberries if you prefer.
Blueberries: They add a pop of blue and a burst of flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blueberries are a fine substitute—just thaw them first!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for the whipped topping. If you’re watching calories, you can use a lighter whipped topping. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free option that’s delicious!
How Do You Get Perfect Whipped Cream Every Time?
Whipping cream can seem tricky, but it’s easy if you follow these steps! The key is to start with cold equipment.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10-15 minutes in the freezer before whipping.
- Combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the bowl.
- Beat on medium-high until you see stiff peaks—this means the cream holds its shape well. Be careful not to overbeat! If it gets grainy, you can’t fix it.
Use the whipped cream immediately or store it in the fridge for a short time. Just give it a quick stir before using again.
Easy Mini Shortcake Cups for Memorial Day & 4th of July
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 store-bought or homemade angel food cake (cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and diced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish
- Mini plastic clear cups (about 4 oz size)
- Small spoons decorated with patriotic stars or themed decorations (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble. Plus, you’ll want to chill the mini shortcake cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to keep them fresh and delicious before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
Start by getting a mixing bowl nice and cold—pop it in the fridge or freezer for a bit. Combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip it on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. You want it fluffy and thick, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Set it aside for now!
2. Prepare the Fruit:
Next, take your fresh strawberries and dice them into small pieces. Keep the blueberries whole so they pop with berries goodness! Gently mix the strawberries and blueberries in a bowl, be careful not to crush the blueberries.
3. Assemble the Shortcake Cups:
Now comes the fun part! Grab your mini cups and start layering. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of angel food cake cubes at the bottom of each cup. It’s like building a little dessert tower!
4. Add the Fruit Layer:
On top of the cake, layer your mixed berries. They can be all jumbled together or organized if you’d like a pretty look!
5. Dollop on the Whipped Cream:
Spoon or pipe a generous dollop of that lovely whipped cream over the berry layer. Don’t be shy with the cream—it’s what makes these cups so delightful!
6. Garnish and Decorate:
Top off each cup with a fresh strawberry slice standing upright on the whipped cream for that fancy touch. If you have themed decorations for the spoons, go ahead and insert them into the cups now! Makes for a great presentation.
7. Chill and Serve:
Place the completed shortcake cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let everything chill and set together. When you’re ready to serve, just pull them out and watch everyone enjoy the festive treat!
These mini shortcake cups are not just delicious; they create a beautiful centerpiece with their vibrant colors, perfect for Memorial Day or 4th of July celebrations! Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits in the Shortcake Cups?
Absolutely! While strawberries and blueberries are perfect for a festive look, you can use any of your favorite fruits. Raspberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches can work beautifully. Just make sure the fruits you choose complement each other in taste and texture!
Can I Make These Shortcake Cups Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free angel food cake or a gluten-free vanilla cake as a base. Check labels on any store-bought cakes to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shortcake cups in the refrigerator in airtight containers. They should stay fresh for about 1-2 days. However, the whipped cream may lose some volume, so it’s best to consume them as soon as possible for the best texture and flavor!
Can I Prepare the Components in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the whipped cream and fruit a day ahead—just keep them separately stored in the fridge. Assemble the cups right before serving to keep the cake from getting soggy.
