Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 store-bought angel food cake; 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

Highlighted under: Basic Kitchen

I absolutely adore these Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups! They're a delightful treat that combines light, airy angel food cake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. The best part? They're incredibly easy to assemble, making them perfect for a quick dessert when I'm entertaining guests or just want to treat myself. With each bite, I savor the fresh flavors and the soft texture that dances on my palate. This is a go-to recipe in my kitchen that never fails to impress!

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-27T15:37:37.278Z

When I first made these Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. The fluffiness of the angel food cake paired with the juicy strawberries creates a dessert that's not just visually appealing but also a joy to eat. I often use store-bought angel food cake, which saves time and doesn’t compromise flavor.

One technique I've found particularly helpful is allowing the strawberries to macerate in sugar for a few minutes. This draws out their natural juices, resulting in a delicious sauce that adds depth to the dessert. It’s little tricks like this that elevate a simple recipe into something special!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and fluffy angel food cake base
Fresh juicy strawberries enhance the flavor
Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Perfectly portioned for individual servings

The Importance of Fresh Strawberries

Using fresh strawberries is essential for this recipe, as their natural sweetness and juiciness elevate the entire dessert. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh green tops. Avoid any that are dull or mushy, as they’ll compromise the overall flavor and texture. If fresh strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the cups.

Macerating the strawberries with sugar is crucial as it draws out the juices, creating a syrupy topping that adheres to the cake, adding both moisture and flavor. Let the strawberries sit for at least 10 minutes; this allows time for the sugar to properly dissolve and the flavors to meld, resulting in a deliciously sweet topping that balances perfectly with the lightness of the angel food cake.

Angel Food Cake Tips

Since the angel food cake is the star of this dish, using a quality store-bought version can save you time while still providing a delightful texture. However, if you’re up for a challenge, making your own can result in an even fluffier and more flavorful base. A well-made angel food cake should have a high volume and a pale, golden hue on the surface. Make sure not to overbeat your egg whites—stop when soft peaks form.

When cutting the angel food cake, use a serrated knife to maintain its airy texture. Make smooth, gentle sawing motions to avoid compressing the cake. If you choose to hollow out the cups slightly, be careful not to remove too much—just enough to fit in the macerated strawberries and whipped cream without collapsing the structure.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Angel Food Cups

1 store-bought angel food cake
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat and let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

Cut the Angel Food Cake

Using a sharp knife, cut the angel food cake into 4 equal pieces or cups. If needed, you can hollow out the center slightly to create space for the strawberries and whipped cream.

Assemble the Cups

In each angel food cake cup, layer a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a few extra strawberries on top for garnish.

Pro Tips

For an even more indulgent twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas

These Strawberry Angel Food Shortcake Cups are perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a light dessert. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also serve them alongside a refreshing mint sprig for a touch of color and added freshness. Try providing a drizzle of chocolate or balsamic reduction to elevate the flavors even more.

For a fun twist, consider adding layers of other berries such as blueberries or raspberries. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings a delightful mix of flavors. If you're serving a larger crowd, you can create a dessert platter with assorted shortcake cups, allowing guests to mix and match their favorite flavors.

Make-Ahead Storage

These shortcake cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance to save time. The macerated strawberries can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will intensify their flavor as they continue to soak in their juices. When ready to serve, simply assemble the cups with the whipped cream and angel food cake just before guests arrive.

If you have leftover assembled cups, store them in the refrigerator but consume them within a day to maintain the quality of the whipped cream and the cake's texture. The longer they sit, the more the cake will absorb moisture from the strawberries, leading to a softer, less appealing texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.

→ How long can these cups be stored?

They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make my own angel food cake?

Absolutely! Making homemade angel food cake allows you to control the sweetness and flavors.

→ What else can I top the cakes with?

You can use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, and even drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.