Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable View)
Tender shortcake cups layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, ideal for sweet celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Shortcake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tbsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Strawberries
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
11 - 1 tsp lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream
12 - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
13 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl.
03 - Cut cold butter into flour mixture using pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Whisk milk, egg, and vanilla in small bowl. Pour into flour mixture and stir until just combined.
05 - Drop 6 equal portions onto prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with fingers.
06 - Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack.
07 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 15 minutes to release juices.
08 - Whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
09 - Split shortcakes horizontally. Place bottom half in cup, top with strawberries and juices, add whipped cream, crown with top half. Garnish with additional berries and cream.
10 - Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything gets layered into individual portions, so no one has to share
- The macerated strawberries create this incredible natural syrup that soaks into the cake
- They look impressive but come together faster than you would believe
02 -
- Cold butter is the secret to flaky shortcake. Warm butter will make the dough tough.
- Letting the strawberries macerate is not optional. That syrup is what makes the whole thing sing.
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for whipped cream that whips faster and holds longer.
- For extra stability, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the powdered sugar before whipping the cream.