Valentines Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable Version)
Individual layered desserts featuring buttery shortcake, macerated strawberries, and fresh whipped cream.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
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 to coat 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 until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
08 - Break each shortcake into bite-sized chunks. Layer in serving cups: shortcake pieces, a generous spoonful of strawberries, then whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, ending with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- These cups look like you spent hours at a fancy bakery but come together in under 45 minutes
- The individual portions make everyone feel special and there's no awkward slicing business
- That moment when the strawberries release their juices and mingle with the cream is pure magic
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes tough biscuits, so stop as soon as the flour is barely incorporated
- Let the strawberries macerate for the full 10 minutes or they won't have that perfect juicy consistency
- These cups start to get soggy after a few hours, so assemble right before serving
03 -
- Freeze your butter for 15 minutes before starting if your kitchen runs warm
- A light hand with the dough is the secret to tender, not tough, shortcakes