Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable Version)
Individual shortcake cups layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a sweet, festive treat.
# What You Need:
→ For the Shortcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ For the Strawberries
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ For the Whipped Cream
12 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the 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 in the cold butter with a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Scoop 6 equal mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly for baking.
07 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
08 - Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly and set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
09 - In a chilled bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
10 - Crumble one shortcake into the bottom of each serving cup. Top with a layer of macerated strawberries, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Individual cups mean everyone gets their own perfect portion
- The buttery shortcakes soak up all those sweet strawberry juices
- They come together faster than you expect but look totally impressive
02 -
- Warm shortcakes will melt your whipped cream into sadness
- Letting strawberries macerate longer than 15 minutes makes them even better
- These hold up okay for a couple hours but the texture changes
03 -
- Freeze your butter for 15 minutes before cutting it in
- Whip your cream in a chilled metal bowl for best results