Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups

Layered with fresh berries, pillowy cream, and soft cake—these mini parfaits are the perfect grab-and-go dessert. They take everything you love about classic strawberry shortcake and reimagine it in a cute, portable cup that’s just as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Instead of a plated dessert that needs cutting, portioning, and serving at the table, these parfait cups come pre-assembled in individual glasses or jars. That makes them ideal for parties, picnics, barbecues, or any time you want a dessert that looks impressive but is secretly very simple to put together.

What makes these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups so lovable is their balance of texture and flavor. You get juicy, slightly sweetened strawberries in every spoonful, fluffy whipped cream that feels light and cloud-like, and soft cake that soaks up all the berry juices without falling apart. Each bite is silky, fruity, and delicately sweet—like summer in dessert form.

Another bonus? There’s no baking required if you use store-bought cake. In just about 20 minutes, you can prep and assemble a tray of beautiful parfaits that look like they came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home baker, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Yield: 10–12 cups
Time: 20 minutes
Temp: None (no baking required)

Core Ingredients for Making the Recipe

To make these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. The magic comes from how they’re layered together.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients First

Fresh strawberries – about 4 cups (600–700 g), hulled and sliced
Whipped cream – about 3 cups prepared (homemade or store-bought)

For the Strawberry Layer

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional, but brightens the flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra aroma)

For the Cake Layer

4–5 cups cubed cake, such as:
- Classic shortcake biscuits, or
- Pound cake, or
- Sponge cake, or
- Angel food cake
(Optional) 2–3 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves, loosened with 1–2 teaspoons water for drizzle

For the Whipped Cream Layer

If using homemade whipped cream:

2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream or whipping cream
1/3–1/2 cup powdered sugar (to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (enhances the flavor slightly)

If using store-bought whipped topping, you’ll need about 3 cups, thawed if frozen.

Optional Garnishes

Extra sliced strawberries or small whole berries
Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
Fresh mint leaves
A dusting of powdered sugar

You’ll also need 10–12 clear cups, glasses, or jars, each holding about 150–200 ml (5–7 oz), so the layers are visible and pretty.

Step-by-Step

Guide to Making the Recipe

These parfait cups come together in three main parts: preparing the strawberries, whipping the cream, and assembling the layers. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and hull the berries.
Rinse the strawberries under cool water and pat them dry. Remove the green tops and any bruised spots, then slice the berries into thin slices or small chunks, depending on how you like them in desserts.
Macerate the strawberries.
Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over them, then add lemon juice and vanilla extract if using.
Toss and rest.
Gently stir the strawberries until they’re evenly coated with sugar. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
During this time, the sugar draws out the juices from the strawberries, creating a naturally sweet syrup that will soak into the cake later and make the parfaits extra flavorful.

2. Prepare the Cake

Cube the cake.
Take your shortcake, pound cake, sponge cake, or angel food cake and cut it into bite-sized cubes, around 1–1.5 cm (½ inch).
If the cake is very fresh and soft, you can place it in the fridge for a few minutes so it firms up slightly and is easier to cut.
(Optional) Add a jam drizzle.
If you like a stronger strawberry flavor, mix a few tablespoons of strawberry jam with a teaspoon or two of water to loosen it. You can drizzle this over the cake cubes as you layer them for extra fruity sweetness.

3. Whip the Cream

If you’re using store-bought whipped topping, you can skip to the assembly step. If making homemade whipped cream:

Chill your tools.
For the best results, place your mixing bowl and whisk (or mixer beaters) in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Cold tools help the cream whip faster and hold its structure better.
Beat the cream.
Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Start beating on medium speed until it begins to thicken.
Sweeten and flavor.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. Continue whipping until soft peaks form—when you lift the whisk, the cream holds a gentle peak that bends slightly.
Whip to medium peaks.
Keep whipping just a bit longer until medium peaks form. The cream should be thick, smooth, and fluffy, but not grainy or overly stiff.
Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream may turn heavy and start to separate.

4. Assemble the Parfait Cups

Now the fun part: layering!

Prepare your cups.
Arrange your 10–12 small cups or jars on a tray. This makes them easy to move and serve later.
First layer: cake.
Add a small handful of cake cubes to the bottom of each cup. This creates a base that will soak up the strawberry juices.
Second layer: strawberries.
Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries along with some of their syrup over the cake cubes. Make sure each cup gets plenty of fruit and a little juice—it’s what makes the dessert moist and flavorful.
Third layer: whipped cream.
Pipe or spoon a layer of whipped cream over the strawberries. For a neat look, you can transfer the cream to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe swirls into each cup.
Repeat the layers.
Repeat the layers at least once more: cake cubes → strawberries → whipped cream.
You can adjust the amounts depending on the size of your cups and how many layers you’d like. Aim to finish with a generous layer or swirl of whipped cream on top.
Finish with garnish.
Top each parfait with a small fan of sliced strawberries or a single whole berry. If you like, sprinkle crushed cookies or cake crumbs over the top, and add a small mint leaf for a fresh, colorful touch.

5. Chill or Serve

Serve right away or chill briefly.
These parfait cups can be served immediately if you like a softer texture and very fresh whipped cream.
Alternatively, chill them for 30–60 minutes so the flavors mingle and the cake absorbs some of the strawberry syrup. Just don’t leave them too long uncovered—wrap the tray in plastic wrap or cover each cup.
Enjoy.
Serve the parfait cups with spoons and watch them disappear. They’re light, refreshing, and just sweet enough to satisfy any dessert craving.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

One of the best things about these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups is how flexible they are. You can easily tweak the flavors and textures to match different seasons, events, or personal preferences.

1. Mixed Berry Parfait Cups

Instead of using only strawberries, try a blend of berries:

Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries

Macerate them together with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. The mix of colors looks beautiful in clear cups, and the combination of tart and sweet berries adds complexity to every bite.

2. Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

For a richer, more indulgent dessert, turn the whipped cream layer into a light cheesecake-style filling:

Beat 225 g (8 oz) of softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
Fold in 1–1½ cups of whipped cream or whipped topping.

Use this creamy mixture in place of (or in addition to) the plain whipped cream. The result tastes like strawberry cheesecake in a cup, complete with cake “crust” at the bottom.

3. Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Cups

If you love bright, citrusy flavors, add a lemon twist:

Add lemon zest to the whipped cream.
Use a lemon pound cake or lemon-flavored sponge as the cake layer.
Add a bit more lemon juice to the macerated strawberries.

The combination of sunny lemon and sweet strawberry makes a refreshing, tangy dessert—perfect for spring and summer.

4. Chocolate Strawberry Parfaits

For chocolate lovers, it’s easy to add a cocoa twist:

Use chocolate pound cake or chocolate sponge cake for the cubes.
Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or melted chocolate between layers.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the top.

This variation tastes like a cross between chocolate-covered strawberries and shortcake—decadent but still fresh.

5. Lighter, Yogurt-Based Parfaits

If you prefer a lighter dessert or a breakfast-style treat:

Replace some or all of the whipped cream with vanilla Greek yogurt.
Sweeten the yogurt lightly with honey or a bit of powdered sugar.
Use a slightly less sugary cake, or even ladyfingers or simple sponge.

This version feels more like a fruity, creamy parfait that you could enjoy any time of day.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different settings.

For Parties and Gatherings

Serve the parfait cups on a large tray or dessert table so guests can help themselves. Because each portion is already assembled, there’s no need for slicing or plating—just grab a cup and a spoon.

You can use:

Small glass jars for a rustic, charming look
Clear plastic cups for outdoor events or picnics
Stemmed glasses for a more elegant presentation

A mix of sizes can make your dessert table look fun and dynamic.

For Family Dinners

These parfaits make a simple but special dessert after a home-cooked meal. You can assemble them in slightly larger cups for heartier portions, or keep them small and light if you’re serving them after a rich dinner.

Serve them with:

A pot of coffee or tea
Iced coffee for a summer evening
Sparkling water with lemon for a fresh, palate-cleansing touch

For Kids

Kids love the layered look and the bright colors of the strawberries. You can:

Use shorter, wider cups so little ones can reach all the layers easily
Add fun toppings like sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed cookies
Let kids assemble their own parfaits as a fun dessert activity

Just prepare bowls with cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream, and let each child make their own fun creation.

Tips & Variations

A few smart tips will help your Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups turn out perfectly every time.

Choosing the Best Strawberries

Go for ripe, fragrant berries. The better the strawberries, the better the parfaits. Look for berries that are bright red and smell sweet.
Avoid mushy or very white berries. Very soft berries can break down too much, and strawberries that are pale and underripe will lack flavor.
Taste and adjust sugar. Strawberries vary in sweetness. Taste your macerated strawberries and adjust the sugar as needed.

Getting the Cake Just Right

Use slightly day-old cake if possible. A cake that’s not too fresh holds its shape better and absorbs the strawberry syrup more nicely.
Avoid overly dry cake. If your cake feels very dry, you can drizzle a bit of milk, cream, or strawberry syrup over the cubes before layering.
Cut even cubes. Uniform cubes make the parfaits look neat and give a consistent texture in every bite.

Perfect Whipped Cream

Keep everything cold. Cold cream whips faster and stays fluffy longer.
Don’t overwhip. Stop whipping as soon as you get medium peaks. Overwhipped cream becomes grainy and can separate.
Adjust sweetness. Add more or less powdered sugar depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and cake.

Assembling Without Mess

Use a piping bag or large spoon. A piping bag makes it easy to place whipped cream neatly in the cups, especially for the top layer.
Layer with intention. Try to place strawberries near the sides of the cups so you can see the red berry layer from the outside—it makes the dessert look extra appealing.
Tap the cups gently. After adding each layer, a gentle tap on the counter helps the ingredients settle and removes large air gaps.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble shortly before serving. For the best texture, it’s ideal to assemble the parfaits within a few hours of serving. The cake will soften but not become soggy.
If assembling in advance, go easy on the syrup. When preparing them several hours early, don’t flood the cake with too much strawberry juice—just enough to flavor and moisten.
Keep refrigerated. Always store parfait cups in the fridge, especially if they contain dairy-based whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups are a beautiful reminder that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. With just a few simple components—fresh strawberries, soft cake, and pillowy whipped cream—you can create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

These parfaits capture the spirit of classic strawberry shortcake in a modern, grab-and-go format. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights, but pretty and delicious enough to serve at birthdays, baby showers, barbecues, or any celebration where dessert needs to impress.

Because they’re so versatile, you can adapt them endlessly: swap in other berries, add a cheesecake-style cream, drizzle with chocolate, or brighten them with lemon. Each variation offers a slightly different mood, but the heart of the dessert stays the same—soft cake, juicy berries, and creamy layers in every spoonful.

Whether you’re treating yourself, your family, or a crowd of guests, these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups deliver sunshine, sweetness, and a little bit of magic in every glass.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain off some of the excess liquid before macerating with sugar. They may be softer and more saucy, which can still be delicious in parfaits, but fresh strawberries give a brighter flavor and firmer bite.

Can I make these parfait cups ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble them a few hours before serving and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The cake will absorb some of the strawberry syrup and become moist and flavorful. For the best presentation, try to serve them within 12–24 hours so the layers stay neat and the whipped cream holds its shape.

How long do Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Cups keep in the fridge?
They’re best enjoyed within 1–2 days. After that, the cake may become too soft and the whipped cream might start to deflate or separate slightly. If you know you’ll be storing them for longer, consider using a slightly firmer cake and a stabilized whipped cream (for example, with a bit of cream cheese or gelatin).

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes. You can use less sugar in the strawberries and in the whipped cream without changing the overall structure of the dessert. Just remember that the cake also adds sweetness, so it’s easy to keep the parfaits balanced even with a lighter hand on the sugar. Taste as you go and adjust until it suits your preferences.

What kind of cake works best for these parfaits?
Pound cake, sponge cake, shortcake biscuits, or angel food cake all work wonderfully. Pound cake and shortcake are richer and more buttery, while angel food cake is lighter and more airy. Choose based on your personal taste or what you have on hand. Leftover cake is perfect for this recipe.

Can I make these parfaits without dairy?
Yes. You can easily make a dairy-free version by:

Using a plant-based whipped topping or coconut whipped cream
Choosing a dairy-free cake (homemade or store-bought)

The strawberries are naturally dairy-free, so with a few substitutions, the entire dessert can be adapted for those avoiding dairy.

Can I serve these parfaits in a large dish instead of individual cups?
Definitely. If you prefer a more family-style dessert, you can assemble all the layers in a single glass trifle bowl or a clear baking dish. Just follow the same steps—cake, strawberries, whipped cream, repeat. Then scoop into bowls when serving.

How can I make the presentation extra special?
Try: