Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Cups (Printable version)
Individual shortcake cups with strawberries and whipped cream for a romantic treat.
# What you'll 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
# Directions:
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 your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
06 - Scoop 6 equal mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
07 - While shortcakes bake, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss to coat and set aside for at least 15 minutes to macerate.
08 - In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
09 - Crumble one shortcake into the bottom of each serving cup. Top with a layer of macerated strawberries, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.
10 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Individual portions mean everyone gets their own perfect little cake moment
- The strawberries create their own syrup as they sit, making every spoonful taste like summer
02 -
- Working with cold butter and not overmixing the dough is what keeps these tender instead of tough
- The strawberry mixture needs those 15 minutes to transform into something saucy and wonderful
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before whipping cream for faster, more stable results
- If your strawberries are not very sweet, add another tablespoon of sugar to help them along