These Mini Shortcake Cups are perfect for summer celebrations! Made with light and fluffy cake, they are filled with fresh berries and topped with whipped cream. Yum!
They’re a hit at any picnic or party, and you can make them in a flash. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe—just don’t blame me if they disappear too quickly! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake: You can use store-bought cake for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. If you’re short on time, even pound cake or sponge cake works well!
Fresh Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are classic choices, but feel free to mix in raspberries or blackberries. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen berries can be thawed and drained before use.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for fluffy whipped cream. If you want a lighter option, try using whipped topping from a tub. Just keep in mind that it may not have the same rich texture.
Powdered Sugar: While it gives sweetness, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if you don’t have powdered sugar. Just use a little less, and beat the cream longer until it’s fluffy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream seems tricky, but it’s really simple. Start with cold equipment for the best results. Here’s how to do it:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl and start mixing on medium-high speed.
- Once it thickens, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing until soft peaks form.
Don’t overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter! It’s ready when it holds its shape, perfect for topping those cute mini cups.
Mini Shortcake Cups for Memorial Day and July 4th
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortcake Cups:
- 1 pre-made or homemade white cake, cut into small cubes or crumbled (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberry halves (optional)
- Mini plastic cups or dessert cups (approximately 2 oz size)
- Decorative small spoons (optional, with stars or patriotic theme for Memorial Day/July 4th)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus time for chilling. You can also make the whipped cream ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just assemble the cups right before your gathering for a fresh and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
Start by chilling a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Once chilled, pour the heavy whipping cream into the cold bowl. Mix on medium-high speed until the cream starts to thicken. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until soft peaks form. This will give your cups a wonderfully fluffy topping!
2. Prepare the Fruit:
Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly, then dice them into small pieces. This will make them easy to layer within your mini cups. Keep the blueberries whole for a fun contrast in texture!
3. Assemble the Mini Shortcake Cups:
Start by placing a spoonful of cake cubes or crumbs at the bottom of each mini plastic cup. Next, add a layer of your mixed strawberries and blueberries, spreading them evenly. Finally, spoon a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the berries, creating a delicious fluffy layer.
4. Garnish and Chill:
If desired, garnish each cup with a strawberry half on top. For a festive touch, you can also add a small decorative spoon into each cup. Then, place the assembled mini shortcake cups in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to celebrate, serve the chilled mini shortcake cups as a refreshing dessert at your Memorial Day or July 4th gatherings. Enjoy the festive colors and delicious flavors!
This quick, refreshing dessert celebrates the red, white, and blue of the season with fresh berries and light cake in a fun mini cup format! Everyone will love it!
FAQ for Mini Shortcake Cups
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake?
Absolutely! While a white cake is traditional, you can use pound cake, sponge cake, or even a vanilla-flavored cake for a different twist. Just make sure it’s light and fluffy!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these shortcake cups gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix or recipe. Just ensure that the other ingredients, like the whipped cream and fruits, are also gluten-free!
Can I Prepare These Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can! The whipped cream can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the cups no more than a couple of hours before serving to keep the cake and whipped cream fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover mini shortcake cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Keep in mind that the cake may soften slightly as they sit.
