Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups angel food cake, cut into cubes

Highlighted under: Sweet Collection

I love making Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups for gatherings and celebrations! The layers of fresh strawberries, creamy whipped cream, and tender cake create a delightful treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and assembling these parfaits is a fun activity I enjoy with friends and family. I always find that these cups not only look impressive but also allow everyone to enjoy their own individual serving, which adds a special touch to any occasion.

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:05:35.088Z

When I first experimented with these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups, I didn’t expect them to become a staple at my celebrations. The combination of layers adds a beautiful presentation and makes each serving feel special. I often layer in a little bit of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a zesty twist, which elevates the flavors even more!

One key tip I’ve learned is to use freshly whipped cream. It not only tastes better but also holds up beautifully, making these parfaits a perfect make-ahead dessert. Just be sure to refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve for the best texture!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and refreshing dessert that perfectly showcases strawberries
Customizable with your favorite cake or cookie layers
Quick to assemble and great for serving at parties

Understanding the Ingredients

The main ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups are fresh strawberries, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and angel food cake. The strawberries provide a natural sweetness and tartness that balances the rich creaminess of the whipped cream. Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor; look for bright red berries with a fresh aroma. Avoid those that are dull or mushy, as they won't provide the desired taste or texture.

Heavy whipping cream is essential for achieving a light, airy texture in the whipped cream. When whipping the cream, use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters for best results. This helps the cream whip faster and maintain its structure. If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can use whipped topping, but the flavor and texture may differ from homemade whipped cream.

Layering Techniques for Perfect Parfaits

When layering the parfaits, the order matters for both presentation and flavor blending. Start with a generous layer of angel food cake cubes to create a sturdy base that will soak up excess moisture from the strawberries and cream. Use a glass cup or jar to highlight the beautiful layers and serve with a long spoon for easy eating.

For the whipped cream, I recommend using a spatula to gently spread it between the layers rather than a spoon for a smoother finish. This helps maintain the integrity of the whipped cream and ensures the layers don't mix too much. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed cookies or granola between layers for added texture and flavor variations.

Ingredients

For the Parfaits

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups angel food cake, cut into cubes

Make your parfait cups

Instructions

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.

Layer the Ingredients

In small cups or jars, add a layer of angel food cake cubes, followed by a layer of whipped cream, and then a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, ending with a dollop of whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling a little balsamic glaze over the strawberries before layering. It enhances their sweetness beautifully!

Make-Ahead Tips

These parfaits can be prepared in advance, making them a fabulous option for gatherings. You can assemble the cups a few hours before serving and keep them refrigerated. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be cautious not to let them sit in the fridge for more than a few hours, as the cake can become overly soggy.

If you plan to serve them the next day, consider storing the whipped cream separately and layering just before serving. This keeps the whipped cream fluffy and prevents it from deflating or weeping into the other ingredients.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store the parfait cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, the longer they sit, the soggier the cake will become, so enjoy them as fresh as possible. For individual servings, use small mason jars for a cute presentation and easy portability to picnics or potlucks.

You can also customize these parfaits by substituting the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream accordingly, as some fruits are sweeter than others.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but you’ll need to thaw them and drain excess moisture before using them in the parfaits.

→ How can I make these parfaits ahead of time?

You can prepare the layers and store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for angel food cake?

You can use pound cake, ladyfingers, or even store-bought cookies for a different texture.

→ Can I make these parfaits gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free cake or cookies for the layers.