Valentines Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable View)

Individual layered dessert with buttery shortcake, macerated strawberries, and fresh whipped cream.

# What You Need:

→ Shortcake

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 2/3 cup buttermilk
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

12 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in buttermilk and vanilla just until combined. Do not overmix to maintain tender texture.
05 - Drop 6 equal mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack.
06 - Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit for at least 10 minutes to macerate and release natural juices.
07 - Using a hand mixer, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
08 - Break each shortcake into bite-sized chunks. Layer in serving cups: shortcake pieces, a generous spoonful of macerated strawberries, then whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, ending with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything tastes better in adorable individual portions that make guests feel special
  • The tender biscuits soak up those sweet strawberry juices just enough
  • You can assemble everything ahead and layer them right before serving
02 -
  • Work quickly with the cold butter and if your dough feels warm pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes
  • Let the strawberries macerate for at least 10 minutes or they will not create enough juice
03 -
  • Freeze your butter for 15 minutes and grate it instead of cutting it into cubes for faster incorporation
  • Add a tablespoon of orange juice to the strawberries instead of lemon for a different brightness

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