Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Highlighted under: Treats from the Oven

When I first made these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites, I knew I had struck delicious gold. The combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream creates a dessert that can easily impress at any gathering. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and lightness, making it hard to stop at just one. I love how these cupcake bites capture the essence of summer while being simple enough for any occasion. Let me show you how to create these delightful treats that will surely become a favorite!

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:52:52.434Z

Making these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites was such an enjoyable experience that I could spend all day in the kitchen! I started by playing around with different cake recipes and found that a vanilla base really highlights the fresh strawberries. It’s so satisfying to see them come together, and the end result is a treat that looks just as great as it tastes.

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the whipped cream frosting; it adds a lightness that perfectly complements the rich cake. Incorporating fresh strawberry chunks into the mix not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation. Trust me, these cupcake bites are not just flavors but a delightful visual treat!

Why You Will Love These Bites
Light and airy texture combined with luscious frosting
Refreshing burst of strawberry flavor in every bite
Cute and portable, ideal for any gathering or treat

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the success of your Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites. Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries, as their natural sweetness and vibrant flavor are the stars of this dessert. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but they may introduce excess moisture, affecting the cake's texture. Your butter should be unsalted and at room temperature to achieve the perfect creamy consistency, making it easier to blend with the sugars and other ingredients smoothly.

Choosing the right flour for the cake is another key aspect. All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance of protein to create a light and fluffy cupcake bite. Avoid bread flour, as its higher protein content can lead to a denser texture, which won’t deliver the desired airy feel. Additionally, using a pure vanilla extract instead of imitation will enhance the overall flavor complexity of your cake, allowing the other ingredients to shine.

Assembling the Perfect Cupcake Bites

Once your cupcake bites are baked and cooled, the fun begins with assembly! Be sure the cakes are completely cooled—this will prevent your whipped cream from melting into the bite. I recommend using a piping bag for the whipped cream; this gives you better control and allows for a beautiful presentation. If you don’t have one, a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off can work just fine.

When garnishing with strawberries, try to use a variety of shapes and sizes. Dicing some strawberries while leaving others in halves creates a delightful visual contrast and a textural variety in each bite. Chill the assembled cupcake bites for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the whipped cream firm up just a bit and enhances the overall freshness of the strawberries, leading to a more satisfying eating experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These delectable treats are best enjoyed the day they are made, but you can prepare elements in advance for convenience. You can bake the cupcake bites a day ahead and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and prevents them from drying out. However, for the freshest flavor and quality, I recommend avoiding assembling them until just before serving. The whipped cream will begin to lose its structure after a few hours.

If you're considering making these cupcake bites for an event, you can also prepare and store the whipped cream in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance. When ready to serve, simply re-whip it briefly to restore its texture. If you want to freeze the baked cupcake bites, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving, but again, assemble with whipped cream and strawberries right before enjoying for the best result.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you begin for a smoother baking experience.

For the Cake Bites

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk

For the Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Make sure to wash and prepare your strawberries beforehand for the freshest taste.

Instructions

Prepare your baking pan and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting.

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the dry mixture while mixing.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, blending until smooth and then gradually incorporating the milk.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Prepare Whipped Cream

While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

Assemble Bites

Once the cakes are cool, top each with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle the diced strawberries on top.

These bites are best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce on top before serving for a beautiful contrast in flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your strawberry bites seem to lack sweetness, check your strawberries. Overly tart berries can lessen the overall flavor. Try tossing them with a bit of sugar before topping the cupcakes for additional sweetness. On the flip side, if your cake bites are drier than desired, you might want to monitor your baking time closely; every oven is slightly different, and overbaking can cause dryness. Keep an eye on the cakes after 10 minutes.

Another common issue is the whipped cream turning too runny. Make sure to whip it to soft peaks, not stiff peaks, which can cause it to break down if left too long. For a stable whipped cream option, consider adding a bit of cornstarch or a commercial whipped cream stabilizer to help maintain its structure, especially in warmer settings.

Flavor Variations

While strawberries are classic, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Raspberries or blueberries can be divine in this recipe, but keep in mind their juiciness might alter the texture. Another option is to infuse the whipped cream with a flavor, such as lemon zest or a splash of almond extract, which complements the cake bites beautifully and adds a twist to your dessert.

For a unique take, you might also consider incorporating a layer of jam between the cupcake bite and the whipped cream. Strawberry jam can intensify the fruity flavor while offering a nice contrasting texture. This tiny change creates a burst of flavor with every bite while keeping the presentation intact, allowing for variety without straying too far from the classic flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw them and pat dry before adding.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How long do the cupcake bites last?

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

→ Can I make the whipped cream in advance?

It's best to whip the cream just before serving for the best texture, but refrigerated whipped cream can last for up to 24 hours.