Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy whipped cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups vanilla sponge cake, crumbled; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Inspiration

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups, especially when fresh strawberries are in season. They are the perfect springtime dessert, combining light whipped cream, fluffy cake, and sweet, juicy strawberries. Each layer creates a beautiful, colorful presentation that is sure to impress any guest. Plus, they are incredibly easy to assemble, making them a go-to dessert for family gatherings or just a delightful treat at home. Trust me, once you try these parfaits, you'll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Nell Abernathy

Last updated on 2026-02-27T14:01:37.863Z

One sunny afternoon, I decided to experiment with a classic dessert and transform it into individual servings. I layered fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream, and freshly sliced strawberries in clear cups, creating a vibrant treat that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. The combination of textures – the moist cake, smooth cream, and crunchy berries – was delightful!

I found that using a simple vanilla cake recipe as the base works wonders. It soaks up the strawberry juices just enough without becoming soggy. The key is to assemble the parfaits just before serving, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful. Enjoying these with friends during a summer picnic was the highlight of my week!

You'll Love This Recipe Because
Layers of fluffy cake with juicy strawberries and creamy whipped cream
Beautiful presentation makes it perfect for gatherings
Easily customizable with different fruits and flavors

Understanding the Components

The key to achieving a successful Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cup lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh strawberries are a must; their sweetness and juiciness elevate the entire dessert. When selecting strawberries, look for vibrant red berries with a natural sheen, as these indicate ripeness. You can also macerate them with a bit of sugar, as mentioned in the steps, which helps enhance their flavor and makes them even more delicious.

The whipped cream in this recipe plays a pivotal role in providing a creamy, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the light, fluffy cake. Using heavy whipping cream ensures that your whipped cream holds its shape well after beating. It's important to beat the cream just until soft peaks form; over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture. I recommend keeping the bowl and beaters chilled for the best results.

Assembly Tips for Perfect Parfaits

When assembling your parfaits, consider using clear glasses or cups to showcase the beautiful layers. Start with a layer of crumbled vanilla sponge cake, followed by whipped cream and strawberries. Repeat this process until the cups are filled, ensuring each ingredient is visible. Aim for even layers to create a visually appealing dessert. If the sponge cake is too dry, consider lightly soaking it in a sugar syrup or fruit juice to add moisture.

For the final touch, I suggest using a piping bag fitted with a star tip to add the whipped cream on top, giving a professional look to your parfaits. If you want to elevate the dessert even further, consider adding a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts between the layers for added texture. These enhancements can bring another dimension of flavor to your parfait.

Ingredients

For the Parfaits

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup heavy whipped cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups vanilla sponge cake, crumbled
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups!

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Whip the Cream

In another bowl, beat the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Parfaits

In serving cups, layer the crumbled cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Garnish and Serve

Top each parfait with mint leaves for a touch of color. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist! You can also use store-bought cake for quicker assembly.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups can be made a few hours ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings. However, it's best to assemble them shortly before you plan to serve them for optimal freshness. If you must prepare them in advance, keep the components separate: store the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator and layer the strawberries in a different bowl. Assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

If you have leftovers, store any uneaten parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, note that over time, the layers may begin to meld, and the sponge cake can lose its lightness. To refresh the texture, you could consider adding a little extra whipped cream or fresh fruit when serving leftovers.

Variations to Consider

While strawberries are the star of this parfait, you can easily switch up the fruits based on what's in season or your personal preferences. Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches make excellent alternatives. You can also mix and match fruits for a more colorful presentation or to add complexity to the flavor profile. Remember to adjust the sugar in the maceration step based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Additionally, if you're looking for a gluten-free version of this parfait, consider using gluten-free cake or a homemade almond flour cake. This retains the cake's texture while allowing those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the dessert without worry. Experimenting with different flavored whipped creams, such as adding lemon zest or cocoa powder, can also provide delightful twists on the classic recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble them just before serving to keep the cake from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the strawberries and whipped cream in advance.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

→ How long can I store the parfaits?

If prepared in advance, store them in the refrigerator for no more than 1 day to maintain their freshness.

→ Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free sponge cake or alternative such as almond flour cake.