These light & fresh Strawberry Shortcake Cups are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with gluten-free vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and dairy-free whipped cream, they're a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🍴Ingredient Notes
• Recipe Variations
• 🍴Step by Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• How to store leftovers
• Recipe Card
• Want more recipes?
• 💬 Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Shortcake Cups are the perfect light and refreshing treat for spring and summer!

Layered with soft Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake, fresh strawberries, and coconut whipped cream. They’re a healthier twist on the classic dessert!

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, Valentine's Day party, or just craving something sweet, these individual servings are easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd!

🍴Ingredient Notes

• Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake - I used my Almond Flour Vanilla Cake recipe, but any vanilla cake will work. Cut into small cubes or thin slices.
• Fresh Strawberries - Make sure you thoroughly wash and dry strawberries before cutting into thin slices.
• Whipped Cream - Either store bought, or homemade coconut whipped cream will work. I used So Delicious Coco Whip to save time, but it's much sweeter than my homemade recipe.

Recipe Variations

Cake

The great part about this recipe is that you can easily customize the layers! Swap my homemade gluten-free vanilla cake for a storebought vanilla cake or use a boxed vanilla cake mix to save time.

Bob's Redmill, Simple Mills, and King Arthor have great gluten-free options.

Try using gluten-free angel food cake for a more classic flavor or a gluten-free chocolate cake to switch things up!

Whipped Cream

Any type of whipped cream will work with this dessert!

You can use regular whipped cream if you're not dairy-free, but if you're dairy-free or Vegan try my homemade coconut whipped cream recipe! To save time, use store-bought.

Fruit

Even though you might expect these mini dessert cups to exclusively have strawberries, you can add or swap for whatever fruit is in season.

Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, or even pineapple would be delicious!

Layering strawberries and blueberries would be perfect for Memorial Day or the 4th of July!

For a sweeter taste, toss the strawberry slices in coconut sugar, maple syrup, or any granulated sugar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all of the juices to release!

Crunch

If you love a little crunch in your desserts, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or raw nuts would be a fun addition!

For Valentine's Day parties, try sprinkling crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top.

🍴Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Vanilla Cake

Start by adding a small amount of the cubed vanilla cake to the bottom of each cup.

Step 2: Fresh Strawberry Slices

Next, add a generous amount of fresh strawberry slices on top of the cake.

Step 3: Whipped Cream

Finally, top with fresh coconut whipped cream.

Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

You can also prepare these mini shortcake cups the morning of or night before. If you assemble them the night before, add the fresh whipped cream layer before serving.

Expert Tips

• If you're making homemade coconut whipped cream, I suggest preparing it the night before, so it has time to set up in the refrigerator.
• Let the cake cool to room temperature before cutting. I usually chill the cake in the refrigerator before assembling the cups as well.
• Do not press the cake down too much, just slightly to create a nice layer.
• Be mindful of what the side of the glass dish looks like so the layers come out clean and you can clearly see cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.
• For best results, use ripe strawberries with this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to serve these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups!

• Short narrow glass cups give a more classic strawberry shortcake look.
• You can also use more delicate glass ice cream cups like you'll see pictured above.
• For a more rustic look, try using mini mason jars. They also come with a lid which makes it easy to store leftovers or serve as a gift.
• If you're serving a large crowd or kids, I suggest using clear plastic cups. For my daughter's "Berry First Birthday" this worked out great. Plastic cups make cleanup easier too!
• Skip the individual cups and make a strawberry trifle in one large glass serving bowl.

Check out my Amazon Livestream Episode where I shared the full step by step process!

How to store leftovers

Leftover strawberry shortcake cups should be stored in the refrigerator.

Cover with plastic wrap or a reusable wrap to keep them fresh for 3-4 days!

More Strawberry Dessert Recipes!

After you make these Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Cups, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

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