Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups

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There’s something magical about strawberries and cream, especially when they’re layered in sweet, fluffy shortcake. These Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups are everything you want in a romantic treat: tender cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy berries stacked into adorable individual portions. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone or treating yourself, these dessert cups deliver love in every bite.

What makes this dessert extra special is the way it’s presented. Served in clear cups or jars, every layer is visible and irresistibly inviting. They’re perfect for date nights, Valentine’s parties, or cozy evenings in. The best part? You don’t have to be a professional baker to pull these off.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These strawberry shortcake cups are fun to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and totally customizable. They’re a modern twist on the classic shortcake—layered instead of stacked—and portioned just right. Plus, using store-bought or homemade pound cake gives you flexibility depending on how much time you have. It’s fresh, creamy, and delightfully simple.

Can I Use Store-Bought Cake or Whipped Cream?

Absolutely. This dessert is all about layering flavors and textures, so whether you go homemade or shortcut, it’s going to be delicious. You can use angel food cake, vanilla sponge, or even pound cake—whatever you prefer. And while homemade whipped cream tastes heavenly, canned whipped topping can be a great time-saver too.

Ingredients for the Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups

For this recipe, the ingredients are simple, but choosing high-quality ones makes all the difference. This dessert depends on the freshness of the strawberries and the richness of the cream to shine.

• Strawberries – Fresh and juicy strawberries give this dessert its signature flavor. You’ll want to slice them and toss them in a bit of sugar to draw out their juices.
• Pound cake or sponge cake – You can bake your own or buy one premade. The soft, buttery texture holds up well in the layers without becoming soggy.
• Whipped cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream balances the sweetness and adds creaminess to every bite.
• Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla in the whipped cream makes it aromatic and rich.
• Sugar – Just a little is needed to macerate the strawberries and sweeten the whipped cream.
• Lemon juice (optional) – Brightens the strawberries and enhances their flavor.
• Salt (just a pinch) – Enhances the overall taste of the whipped cream.

How To Make the Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them thinly. Add sugar and a splash of lemon juice if using, and let them sit for 15–30 minutes to release their juices.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—you want it light and fluffy.

Step 3: Cube the Cake

Cut your pound cake or sponge cake into small cubes, roughly 1-inch pieces. These will be your layering base.

Step 4: Layer the Cups

In clear cups or jars, start with a layer of cake cubes. Spoon on a generous helping of strawberries and their juice, then top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers once or twice, finishing with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. They’re best enjoyed chilled and fresh!

How to Serve and Store These Strawberry Shortcake Cups

These cups serve about 6 people, depending on the size of your glasses. They make beautiful single-serve desserts for a dinner party or romantic night in. If you’re prepping ahead, you can assemble the cups a few hours before and refrigerate them—just hold off on the final dollop of whipped cream until serving.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though the cake will start to soften as it soaks in the strawberry juice.

What to Serve With These Shortcake Cups?

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Keep the romantic berry theme going with a side of hand-dipped chocolate strawberries.

Raspberry Lemonade Spritzers

A light and bubbly drink with tart citrus and berries pairs perfectly with these creamy cups.

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Add a crunchy, sweet contrast to your dessert table with festive sugar cookies.

White Chocolate Bark

Serve alongside the cups for a sweet textural treat that complements the berries.

Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness and makes for a classic pairing.

Sparkling Rosé

A celebratory drink that enhances the flavor of strawberries and adds to the romantic mood.

Mini Cheesecakes

Create a dessert trio for your Valentine’s spread with creamy cheesecakes and shortcake cups.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Fruity Twist?

If you love these Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups, you might enjoy some of our other fruit-forward delights:

• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes with zesty lime and sweet berry layers.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe for a pop of citrus sunshine in every bite.
• Baby Lemon Impossible Pies that magically form a crust as they bake.
• Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet for a light and icy way to cool down.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls for a rolled-up version of this beloved flavor combo.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you try these shortcake cups, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you use homemade whipped cream or take a shortcut? Maybe you added some chocolate shavings or extra berries?

Let’s swap ideas and make this recipe even better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite treat for any celebration.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the kind of dessert that look fancy, taste heavenly, and are secretly so easy to make. They’re proof that a simple combination of fresh ingredients, a little layering, and a lot of love can create something truly memorable. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cups are always a good idea.

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