Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups are the perfect no-bake treat for summer! Layers of sweet strawberries, soft cake, and creamy whipped topping come together in individual cups for an easy, elegant, and delicious dessert. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a simple weeknight indulgence!
Ingredients
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1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 (10.75 ounce) pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Prepare Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Gently toss to coat and let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate (release juices).
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Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
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Assemble Dessert Cups: In individual dessert cups or glasses, layer the cake cubes, strawberries (including their juices), and whipped cream. Repeat the layers as desired.
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Chill (Optional): Chill the dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Variations: Substitute the pound cake with angel food cake, shortbread cookies, or even crushed graham crackers. Use different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a more sophisticated flavor.
Tips: Macerating the strawberries helps to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious sauce. Don’t over whip the cream, or it will become grainy. Assemble the dessert cups just before serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Allergies/Intolerances: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cake. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free whipped topping.
Taste Preferences: Adjust the amount of sugar in the strawberries and whipped cream to your liking. For a boozier treat, brush the cake cubes with a little bit of liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier, amaretto).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (No-Bake)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg (depending on cake)
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Dessert cup recipes, strawberry shortcake, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, individual desserts, layered desserts, parfait recipe, quick dessert