Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups Recipe
This Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups recipe features layers of soft vanilla cake crumbs, sweetened strawberry sauce, and fluffy cream cheese whipped cream, topped with fresh diced strawberries. Perfect for a quick, no-fuss dessert that can be prepared ahead and served chilled, these individual cups offer a convenient and delicious treat ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 28 individual 2-ounce dessert cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Cake Crumbs
- 3 cups vanilla cake crumbs (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberries
- 1 lb strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (diced, for garnish)
Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Bake the Vanilla Cake: If baking your own cake, prepare the vanilla cake according to box mix instructions or use a homemade recipe. Allow to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Prepare Cake Crumbs: Crumble the cooled vanilla cake into small pieces. Divide and portion the crumbs evenly into twenty-eight 2-ounce plastic cups, filling each cup about half full.
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: Combine 1 lb of strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens. Mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, then transfer the sauce to a heat-proof bowl to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream: Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cold cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Lower the mixer speed and slowly drizzle in heavy cream. Increase speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble Dessert Cups: Spoon the cooled strawberry sauce evenly over the vanilla cake crumbs in each cup. Top with the cream cheese whipped cream, either spooned or piped. Garnish each cup with diced fresh strawberries.
- Chill and Serve: Seal the cups with lids and chill in the refrigerator. These cups can be served immediately or stored refrigerated for 2 to 3 days to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- If you prefer not to bake your own cake, use store-bought vanilla cake or vanilla-flavored cake crumbs for convenience.
- For a smoother strawberry sauce, you can blend the cooked strawberries before cooling.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very cold for best whipping results.
- These dessert cups can be prepared a day in advance to save time when entertaining.
Keywords: strawberry shortcake dessert cups, strawberry dessert, cream cheese whipped cream, individual dessert cups, no-bake dessert option, easy summer dessert
