Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

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If you dream in strawberries and crave something both comforting and delightfully pretty, these irresistible strawberry shortcake cupcakes are going to steal your heart. Imagine the nostalgic charm of classic shortcake layered into a tender vanilla cupcake, filled with juicy strawberries, and crowned with fluffy whipped cream. They bring together the best parts of a summertime dessert, all in one perfect handheld treat.

What makes these cupcakes truly special is the contrast of textures. The light and airy cake plays beautifully with the sweet and slightly tart fresh strawberries, while the whipped cream topping brings a silky finish. They’re as perfect for a spring picnic as they are for a fancy brunch or birthday celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

These cupcakes have all the magic of a strawberry shortcake but with the added ease of serving and portability. You don’t need a fork or plate to enjoy one—they’re casual yet elegant enough to impress. The recipe is simple, the ingredients are familiar, and the result is a bakery-worthy treat that feels homemade in the best way.

Each bite delivers a burst of fresh fruit layered between soft, vanilla-scented cake and a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because strawberries are calling your name, this one is a crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Strawberries Work Best?

You want ripe, bright red strawberries for the most flavor. Local, in-season berries are ideal, but even store-bought strawberries can shine when macerated with a little sugar. Chop them finely to create a juicy, spoonable filling that will nestle right into the center of each cupcake. If you like a bit of texture, leave some pieces larger for a more rustic feel.

Ingredients for the Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients. Each one plays a specific role in building the soft base, fruity middle, and dreamy top.

All-purpose flour provides structure and softness, giving the cupcakes a tender crumb.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve a light golden finish.

Baking powder adds the necessary lift to keep the cupcakes airy.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.

Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Room temperature butter will cream beautifully with sugar.

Eggs bind everything together and give the cupcakes structure.

Vanilla extract is essential for that sweet, warm aroma that makes the cake taste like dessert.

Milk brings moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.

Fresh strawberries are the star, chopped and lightly sweetened to create a syrupy, delicious filling.

Heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks and becomes the light, fluffy topping that sets this cupcake apart.

Powdered sugar gently sweetens the whipped cream without overpowering the strawberries.

How To Make the Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by hulling and dicing the strawberries. Toss them with a bit of granulated sugar and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows them to release their juices and become perfectly syrupy.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Scoop the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 4: Fill with Strawberries

Once cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the cavity with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream

Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; it should be light and billowy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes

Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the filled cupcakes and garnish with a slice of fresh strawberry on top.

Serving and Storing These Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh when the whipped cream is still fluffy and the strawberries are juicy. That said, you can refrigerate them for up to two days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing any fridge odors. They feed about 12 people generously, making them great for parties or small gatherings.

If you want to prep ahead, bake the cupcakes and store them unfilled. Add the strawberries and cream just before serving for best texture and taste.

What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes?

Sparkling Lemonade

The brightness of lemonade pairs beautifully with the fruity richness of the cupcakes.

Fresh Berry Salad

Keep the berry theme going with a colorful medley of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For an indulgent twist, serve your cupcake alongside a scoop of ice cream.

Cold Brew Coffee

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.

Strawberry Iced Tea

Double down on the strawberry flavor with a cool glass of this refreshing drink.

Grilled Peaches

Lightly grilled peaches offer a warm, caramelized flavor that complements the cupcakes.

Mint Water

Simple but refreshing, mint-infused water makes a clean and cooling palate cleanser.

Want More Cupcake Ideas with a Twist?

If these strawberry shortcake cupcakes made you smile, here are a few other cupcake creations to try:

• Dr. Pepper Brownies Recipe
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
• Southern Hummingbird Cake Recipe
• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Tell me in the comments how your cupcakes turned out. Did you switch the whipped cream for a buttercream frosting? Add a drizzle of chocolate? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake cupcakes are the kind of treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. They’re simple enough for a casual afternoon but pretty enough to serve at a celebration. Light, fruity, and filled with joy—these cupcakes are sure to be a favorite in your baking rotation.

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