Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Highlighted under: Sugar & Whisk

I absolutely love starting my day with something sweet but refreshing, and these Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups are the perfect solution. Each cup is a delightful construction of layers featuring crumbly shortcake, luscious whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. They not only appeal to the eyes but also tantalize the taste buds. On a busy morning, this easy recipe can come together in no time, while still feeling like a treat! Who doesn’t enjoy a little indulgence while getting their day started?

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-16T08:10:36.750Z

I remember the first time I made these Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups; my family couldn’t get enough! The fresh strawberries paired with the buttery shortcake are simply heavenly. I recommend using ripe strawberries for the best flavor—they add a sweetness that perfectly contrasts with the creamy whipped topping.

Beyond just being delicious, these breakfast cups are incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out strawberries for other berries or even add a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream for an extra layer of taste. Every time I make these, they disappear in minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Layers of deliciousness with every bite.
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor.
Perfect for brunch or a sweet breakfast treat.

Understanding Shortcake Preparation

The success of your shortcake lies in the texture of the dough, which should be light and crumbly. Start by ensuring your butter is very cold; this helps create those desired flaky layers. If your butter has softened, it's best to chill it briefly before cutting it into the dry ingredients. When mixing, avoid overworking the dough—just until it holds together. Once baked, the shortcakes should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. If they are too moist in the center, give them an extra minute or two in the oven, checking closely to prevent over-baking.

Cutting the shortcakes into uniform rounds not only creates an appealing look but also ensures they bake evenly. You can use a standard biscuit cutter or even the rim of a glass. If you want to add a twist to your shortcake, consider mixing in a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus hint that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Whipping Cream Wisely

Achieving perfectly whipped cream is all about monitoring the process closely. For best results, start with chilled heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl, as this helps stabilize the cream and encourages it to whip up faster. When whisking, begin at a lower speed to incorporate air gradually, then increase to medium-high until stiff peaks form. Watch carefully; if you overbeat the cream, it can turn grainy and start to separate, creating a less desirable texture.

If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can be a wonderful substitute. Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solidified cream. Whip it as usual and add a splash of vanilla and a touch of sweetener for a delightful twist that fits various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups are versatile enough for various occasions beyond breakfast. They make a delightful brunch centerpiece or an elegant dessert for dinner parties. You can even layer them in large trifle dishes for a visually stunning display. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing mint-infused iced tea or sparkling lemonade to elevate the experience.

Don't hesitate to customize the fruit layers. While fresh strawberries are classic, you can easily swap them with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix for a vibrant fruit medley. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the fruit adds an unexpected yet delicious flavor contrast, enhancing the overall profile of your breakfast cups.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup milk

For the Topping

1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.

Assemble the Cups

Once the shortcakes are cool, break each piece into bite-sized pieces. In serving cups, layer the shortcake pieces, followed by the fresh strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.

Pro Tips

For best results, serve the cups immediately after assembling to keep the shortcake crispy. You can prepare the shortcake and whipped cream in advance, storing them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.

Storing and Preparing Ahead

While these Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. The shortcakes can be baked a day in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you make the whipped cream beforehand, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but remember to give it a quick re-whip as it may deflate slightly. Assemble the cups just before serving to maintain the freshness of the fruit and the fluffiness of the whipped cream.

If you’re planning to make these cups for a larger gathering, consider making extra layers of shortcake and cream. This way, you can assemble more cups as needed, keeping the presentation looking fresh. However, avoid mixing all the components together too early, as the shortcake may become soggy over time if it sits too long with the other ingredients.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling the recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Cups is straightforward. If you're looking to serve a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. For example, to make 12 servings, double each ingredient in both the shortcake and the topping. Just keep in mind that while baking times for the shortcakes may remain similar, check their doneness to ensure they achieve that golden color without being overcooked.

For a bit of fun with presentation, consider varying the size of your serving cups. Miniature jars or shot glasses could be used for individual servings, making these treats even more appealing for parties or gatherings. Just adjust the layer sizes accordingly to maintain the right balance of flavors in each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shortcake in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just assemble the cups right before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before layering.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, but be mindful that the shortcake may become soggy over time.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream provides the best flavor and texture.