These strawberry shortcake cupcakes are the perfect combination of fluffy cake, juicy strawberries, and sweet whipped cream. Each bite feels like a little piece of heaven, with the fresh strawberries providing just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cake and cream.
Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just as a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. They’re quick to make, yet feel like a special occasion dessert. The bright, vibrant strawberries and soft, pillowy whipped cream make these cupcakes a visual and culinary delight.
Full Recipe:
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1 box of white cake mix
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding in the oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
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Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the cake batter.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
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While the cupcakes cool, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Once the cupcakes have cooled, top each with a generous spoonful of the sugared strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes: A Perfect Summer Dessert
Strawberry shortcake is one of the most beloved desserts, especially during the warmer months when fresh strawberries are in season. But when you turn this classic treat into individual cupcakes, you get a whole new level of deliciousness. These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes combine the light, fluffy texture of a cake with the sweet and tart flavor of fresh strawberries, topped with a creamy whipped topping. The result? A sweet, summery dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a picnic, or just craving something sweet to cool down your afternoon, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.
Why Choose Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes?
The beauty of strawberry shortcake cupcakes lies in their versatility and ability to capture the essence of the classic dessert in a more portable, bite-sized form. Unlike traditional strawberry shortcake, which often requires layers of sponge or biscuit along with whipped cream, cupcakes allow for a streamlined and less messy way to enjoy this summer favorite. The cake base is light and airy, while the whipped cream topping adds richness and creaminess. Plus, the fresh strawberries not only provide that juicy, tangy burst of flavor, but also give the cupcakes a beautiful, vibrant appearance.
Additionally, strawberry shortcake cupcakes are incredibly easy to make and customize. You can use store-bought cake mix for convenience or make your own cake batter from scratch. Whether you’re looking for a treat for a special event or just want to enjoy something sweet during a weekend getaway, these cupcakes are quick to put together, require only a few ingredients, and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Perfect for All Occasions
These strawberry shortcake cupcakes are not just for casual picnics—they can elevate any special event or party. Imagine serving them at a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a baby shower. Their bright, colorful presentation makes them visually stunning, and their sweet yet not overwhelming flavor makes them universally loved by guests of all ages.
If you’re planning a summer event, these cupcakes will fit perfectly into your dessert table, alongside other seasonal treats like lemon bars, berry tarts, or ice cream sundaes. The fresh strawberries bring a pop of color and freshness to your spread, making it feel like a true celebration of summer.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes a Year-Round Treat
While strawberry shortcake is most commonly enjoyed during the summer months, you can certainly adapt this recipe to be enjoyed year-round. During the off-season, when fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can swap them out for frozen strawberries or other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries. If you use frozen fruit, just be sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture of your cupcakes.
If you’re craving that fresh strawberry flavor in the winter, you could also try using freeze-dried strawberries or even strawberry jam as a topping. These alternatives will still give you that fruity flavor, even if they lack the juiciness of fresh strawberries.
Another fun way to customize these cupcakes is to experiment with different flavor profiles. Try adding lemon zest or vanilla extract to the cake batter for a subtle twist. You could also fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter or top the cupcakes with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat.
Cupcake vs. Traditional Shortcake: Which is Better?
One question that often comes up when making strawberry shortcake cupcakes is how they compare to the traditional version. The classic strawberry shortcake usually consists of a sponge-like cake or biscuit, which is then topped with macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. While the cupcake version is a slightly different take, it still captures the essence of the dessert, with the added bonus of being easier to serve and eat.
The cupcake version has a few distinct advantages. First, it’s portable, making it ideal for parties, picnics, and other events where you want an easy-to-eat dessert. You don’t have to worry about cutting slices, and guests can easily enjoy one cupcake in a few bites. Moreover, cupcakes maintain their moisture and texture longer than traditional shortcake, which can sometimes dry out after a few hours or when left uncovered.
The whipped cream topping is another feature that sets these cupcakes apart. While traditional shortcakes often use whipped cream as a topping, it can sometimes get lost in the layers of cake or biscuit. On a cupcake, however, the whipped cream is more prominent, adding a creamy and rich contrast to the light, fluffy cake and juicy strawberries.
What Makes the Whipped Cream So Special?
A significant component of the strawberry shortcake cupcake is the whipped cream topping, which is both fluffy and rich. While you can certainly use store-bought whipped cream, homemade whipped cream takes these cupcakes to the next level. The process of whipping the cream and adding powdered sugar creates a light and airy texture that is so much more delicious than any canned version.
To achieve the perfect whipped cream, it’s essential to use cold heavy whipping cream. Make sure the cream is well-chilled before whipping, and be cautious not to overwhip, which could result in a buttery texture rather than the fluffy consistency we’re aiming for. Adding a splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness.
Storing and Serving Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
These cupcakes are best enjoyed the day they’re made, especially since fresh strawberries can release moisture, making the cupcakes soggy over time. However, if you need to store them, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also store the strawberry topping and whipped cream separately to prevent any moisture from seeping into the cupcakes. Just before serving, top the cupcakes with the strawberries and whipped cream for a fresh, just-made experience.
If you’re planning to serve these cupcakes at a later time, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The whipped cream should be prepared right before serving to maintain its light, airy texture.
Conclusion: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion
Strawberry shortcake cupcakes are a delightful, delicious, and visually appealing dessert that can brighten up any table. They are perfect for casual get-togethers, family dinners, or more formal celebrations. With their sweet, fluffy texture, vibrant strawberries, and indulgent whipped cream topping, these cupcakes capture the essence of summer in every bite.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or get creative with flavor variations, these strawberry shortcake cupcakes will become a go-to dessert for any time of year. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and stunning presentation make them a standout dessert that will be a hit with everyone who tries them. The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat to share, these cupcakes will surely steal the show.