Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 store-bought angel food cake; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Basic Kitchen

I absolutely love making Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups during the warmer months when strawberries are at their peak ripeness. The light and airy angel food cake pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Preparing these cups is a breeze and they will impress anyone you serve them to. Perfect for gatherings or a simple dessert after dinner, these shortcake cups are a delightful twist on a classic favorite!

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-27T15:32:50.148Z

When I first tried making Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups, I was surprised at how simple it was to create such an elegant dessert. Using store-bought angel food cake reduces prep time significantly, allowing me to focus on the vibrant strawberries. A tip I found invaluable is to choose fresh, ripe strawberries; their natural sweetness really shines through without needing extra sugar!

Another favorite aspect of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can play with flavors by adding lemon zest to the whipped cream or swapping the strawberries for other berries. Each variation is just as delightful, and I always feel a sense of accomplishment when serving these beautiful cups to friends and family!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and fruity flavor with delightful textures
Light and airy dessert perfect for any occasion
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings

Understanding Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is known for its light and airy texture, which is achieved by whipping egg whites to a stiff peak. This method allows the cake to rise beautifully without the use of any fat. For best results, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are free of grease, as any residue can prevent the egg whites from achieving their full volume. If you’re short on time, using a store-bought cake can still yield excellent results, especially when layered with fresh fruit and cream.

The sweetness of the angel food cake plays a crucial role in balancing the tartness of the strawberries. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you could gently fold in some lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice into the whipped cream to enhance the tart berry flavor while still maintaining a light texture. This contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cake and adds an extra layer of complexity to the dessert.

Preparing Fresh Strawberries

Selecting ripe strawberries is key to maximizing flavor in this dessert. Look for berries that are vibrant red, plump, and shiny, as these are signs of peak ripeness. After slicing, tossing them with powdered sugar helps to draw out their natural juices and create a delicious syrup. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes; you’ll notice they’ll soften slightly and become juicier, making them perfect for layering with the cake and cream.

If you're preparing this dessert in advance, remember that strawberries can be sliced and macerated up to a day ahead. Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time during assembly but also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. Just make sure to drain any excess juice before layering to avoid soggy shortcake cups.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups are wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize them by swapping out strawberries for other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even a mix. For a chocolate twist, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce over the whipped cream right before serving. This can elevate the dessert and provide a visually stunning presentation.

To make this dessert even more appealing for special occasions, consider serving it in clear glass cups to showcase the beautiful layers. You could also top each cup with a sprig of fresh mint for added color and freshness. If you want to scale the recipe up for gatherings, simply increase the quantities of the ingredients and prepare in larger serving dishes, adjusting the layering as needed.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Cups

1 store-bought angel food cake
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Toss to coat and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Cut the angel food cake into pieces. In serving cups or bowls, layer the cake pieces with the macerated strawberries and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Serve and Enjoy!

Finish with a final dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with a whole strawberry. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice over the strawberries or a hint of almond extract in the whipped cream.

Storage Tips

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can store assembled shortcake cups in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, note that the angel food cake may start to absorb moisture from the strawberries and whipped cream, leading to a less airy texture. If you need to prepare them in advance, consider keeping the cake and strawberries separate until just before serving to maintain their distinct textures.

If you have leftover components, like whipped cream or strawberries, those can be stored separately. Whipped cream can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Make sure to give it a quick whisk before using it again, as it may separate over time.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, it may be due to the cream being too warm or the bowl not being chilled. Make sure to use heavy whipping cream that is very cold, and consider chilling your mixing bowl for 10-15 minutes before whisking. This can help achieve ideal fluffy peaks quickly and efficiently.

For those who find their strawberry mixture too runny after macerating, a quick solution is to add a small amount of cornstarch to the strawberries before serving. This will help thicken the juices and make it easier to layer. Just be sure to let the strawberries sit again for a few minutes after adding cornstarch to allow it to activate properly.

Make-Ahead Options

To make preparation smoother for an event, consider prepping each component of the shortcake cups ahead of time. The angel food cake can be baked a day in advance, while the strawberries can be sliced and macerated. The whipped cream can also be whipped and stored in the fridge, which gives you more time to enjoy with guests when it's time to serve.

If planning for a larger crowd, you can also batch the ingredients efficiently. Mix multiple bowls of macerated strawberries and whipped cream simultaneously, then assemble right before serving. This not only makes serving easier but also allows you to present a fresh and appealing dessert without much hassle during the event.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.

→ How long can I store the assembled cups?

Assembled cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

→ Can I make my own angel food cake?

Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake will add a personal touch, but using a store-bought cake saves time.

→ What are some variations I can try?

Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different twist!