Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

Mini Strawberry Shortcakes are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic dessert, featuring tender, flaky biscuits topped with sweet, juicy strawberries and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. These mini versions are ideal for individual servings and are both adorable and delicious! The biscuit base is buttery and soft, while the strawberries, macerated in sugar, release their juices, creating a sweet syrup that soaks into the biscuits. The whipped cream ties everything together, adding a light, creamy element.

I first made these Mini Strawberry Shortcakes for a picnic with friends, and they were a huge hit! The combination of the slightly sweetened biscuits, the fresh burst of strawberries, and the creamy whipped topping makes each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. What I love most about this dessert is how customizable it is—you can add a splash of vanilla to the whipped cream, or for an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel on top. These mini treats are a fun and festive way to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake!

Perfect for:

• Summer picnics
• Dinner parties
• BBQs
• Birthdays
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Mini Strawberry Shortcakes will be your go-to dessert:

• Fresh and Fruity: The juicy strawberries bring a burst of freshness that’s perfect for any season.
• Easy-to-Make Biscuits: The biscuit layers are simple yet delicious, with a soft, flaky texture.
• Individual Servings: Mini versions make it easier to serve and enjoy, without the mess.
• Whipped Cream Perfection: Light and airy whipped cream adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• No-Bake Option: Ideal for those who want a quick, no-bake dessert for hot days.
• Great for Customization: You can adjust the sweetness or swap in other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These shortcakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special occasion or casual get-together, these shortcakes are a hit.
• Quick and Simple: Minimal prep time makes them perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can make the biscuit layer gluten-free for a versatile treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 mini shortcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup whole milk

the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh mint leaves

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the rich biscuit and cream.
• Cold Butter: Helps create tender and flaky biscuit layers.
• Whipped Cream: Lends a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the biscuits and strawberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Biscuits:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Shape and Bake: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Roll out to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

6. Slice Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and toss with sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

7. Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Mini Shortcakes:

8. Cut Biscuits: Slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
9. Layer Strawberries and Cream: Place the bottom half of the biscuit on a serving plate, top with a spoonful of sweetened strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Top with Biscuit and Garnish: Place the top half of the biscuit over the cream, and garnish with extra strawberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Serve:

11. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the mini strawberry shortcakes fresh and chilled.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mini Strawberry Shortcakes:

• As a Summer Picnic Treat: Pack individual servings for an easy, portable dessert.
• For an Elegant Dessert: Serve on a cake stand for a classy touch at dinner parties.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve with a variety of fresh berries for added color and flavor.
• On Special Occasions: Perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries.
• As a Sweet Snack: Serve as a light, indulgent treat in the afternoon.
• With Extra Whipped Cream: For even more indulgence, top with additional whipped cream.
• As a Gift: Package them individually in boxes for a sweet homemade gift.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing twist.
• For BBQs: An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for cookouts and gatherings.
• For Dessert Buffets: Perfect for offering mini versions at dessert tables.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Ingredients: Keep your butter and cream cold to ensure flaky, tender shortcakes. Warm ingredients may cause the dough to spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dough until it just comes together. Overmixing can make the shortcakes dense and tough.
• Macere the Strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with a little sugar and let them sit for 15-30 minutes. This will draw out their natural juices for a sweet, syrupy topping.
• Whip Cream Fresh: For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping.
• Add a Flavor Twist: Mix a splash of vanilla or almond extract into the whipped cream for extra flavor.
• Try a Citrus Kick: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the shortcake dough or strawberry mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Shape with Precision: Use a cookie cutter or glass to ensure even, uniform shortcakes. Avoid twisting the cutter to keep the edges clean.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the shortcakes slightly warm, straight out of the oven.
• Get Creative with Layers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache, cream cheese, or custard between the strawberries and whipped cream for an indulgent twist.

Recipe Variations

• Mixed Berry Shortcakes: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a berry medley.
• Vegan Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk and vegan butter.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the whipped cream for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Biscuits: Use gluten-free flour for a suitable alternative.
• Chocolate Shortcakes: Add cocoa powder to the biscuit dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Biscuit Base: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the biscuit dough for extra texture.

Special Equipment

• Biscuit Cutter: For uniform rounds of biscuit dough.
• Electric Mixer: For whipping the cream to perfection.
• Pastry Cutter: Helps work the butter into the flour for the best biscuit texture.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the biscuits to cool evenly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Thaw and drain them before using.
2. How long do these shortcakes last?
   Best eaten fresh, but the biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
3. Can I freeze the biscuits?
   Yes, you can freeze the baked biscuits for up to 1 month. Thaw before assembling.
4. Can I use store-bought biscuits?
   For a quicker option, you can use store-bought shortcake biscuits, but homemade biscuits are preferred for the best flavor.
5. How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
   Use chilled cream and only whip until stiff peaks form to maintain the texture.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet to accommodate the biscuits.
7. What’s the best way to cut the biscuits?
   Use a biscuit cutter or the edge of a glass to cut clean rounds without pressing the dough.
8. Can I skip the sugar in the biscuits?
   Yes, if you prefer a less sweet biscuit, you can omit the sugar.
9. How can I make these gluten-free?
   Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
10. What can I use instead of fresh strawberries for garnish?
    You can use other berries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of fruit syrup for garnish.

Conclusion

Mini Strawberry Shortcakes are a charming and delicious twist on the classic dessert, offering all the sweet, creamy goodness in a perfectly portioned bite-sized treat. Soft, buttery shortcake biscuits are baked until golden and flaky, then topped with sweet, macerated strawberries that have been tossed with a bit of sugar to draw out their natural juices. A dollop of freshly whipped cream completes the mini shortcakes, adding a light and airy texture that perfectly complements the juicy strawberries and tender biscuit.

These mini shortcakes are perfect for individual servings at a gathering or for a sweet treat on a warm day. You can make them ahead by preparing the shortcakes and whipped cream separately and assembling just before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream or sprinkle some mint leaves on top for a refreshing finish.

I can’t wait to see how your Mini Strawberry Shortcakes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your sweet, colorful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these mini treats your own!