Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can, but you'll need to thaw and drain them really well first. Frozen berries release more liquid, so I recommend thawing in a strainer over a bowl, then patting them dry with paper towels. The texture will be softer, but the flavor still works great off-season!

How far in advance can I assemble these?

The sweet spot is about 4 hours ahead. Any longer and the shortcake gets too soft. My trick? Prep all components separately (keep whipped cream and sugared berries in airtight containers), then layer everything about an hour before serving. Easy peasy!

What's the best substitute for shortcake crumbles?

I've tried them all! Pound cake cubes, crushed vanilla wafers, or even ladyfingers work well in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, crushed almond cookies are amazing. Just avoid anything too hard - you want that perfect soft-but-not-mushy texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whipped cream for coconut whipped cream (the canned kind works great). And check your shortcake ingredients - many store-bought shortbreads are actually dairy-free. The strawberries stay the star no matter what!

Why does my whipped cream keep deflating?

Ah, the eternal struggle! Make sure your cream, bowl, and beaters are ice-cold before starting. And don't overwhip - stop when you get soft peaks that hold their shape. A tiny bit of cornstarch (about 1/2 tsp per cup of cream) helps stabilize it too!

Strawberry Shortcake Cups - Irresistibly Easy Bliss

Description

Delicious strawberry shortcake cups perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup whipped cream
1 cup shortcake crumbles
1 tbsp sugar

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Instructions

Slice the strawberries and mix with sugar.
Layer shortcake crumbles at the bottom of each cup.
Add a layer of strawberries.
Top with whipped cream.
Repeat layers and serve chilled.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
Chill before serving for a firmer texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American