Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable)
Tender shortcake cups layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, ideal for a romantic treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shortcake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Strawberries
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream
12 - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
05 - Pour wet mixture into flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Drop 6 equal portions of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with fingers.
07 - Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely on baking sheet.
08 - While shortcakes bake, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit at least 15 minutes to macerate.
09 - In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
10 - Break each shortcake in half horizontally. Place bottom half in a cup, layer with strawberries and juices, add whipped cream, top with remaining shortcake half. Finish with additional strawberries and cream dollop.
11 - Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- The individual portions mean zero awkward cutting or serving moments at the table
- Everything can be prepped ahead, so you're actually present when it matters
- That first spoonful hitting all three textures at once is the kind of sensory moment people remember
02 -
- Warm shortcake plus cold whipped cream equals a sad, melty situation, so let those cakes cool all the way down
- The strawberries need time to macerate—at least 15 minutes, but longer is fine if you're doing other prep
- Whipped cream can hold in the fridge for a few hours, but don't add it to the cups until right before serving
03 -
- Freeze your butter for 20 minutes before starting and it'll stay cold longer while you work it into the flour
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk for the cream and it'll whip up noticeably faster