Strawberry Shortcake is such a classic dessert that is already pretty light, but this miniature version is so cute and perfect for a party! It only takes a few minutes to throw together and your guests will absolutely be impressed.
My mind has been on parties lately! Why? Because no matter when you're reading this, as I write we are in week three of quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. I totally understand the need for social distancing and self-quarantine, but for extroverts like me this is hard!
I saw a meme the other day that said "When this is over we're going to throw the biggest St. Patrick's Easter de Mayo of July party the world has ever seen" and ain't that the truth?
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Mini Desserts are Perfect for Parties
The last time you made a cake for a party, what happened? If your party wasn't crawling with kids, it's usually the same old story.. the adults wave off the slice that was cut for them and say "I'm too full" or "I don't need all that!"
But something magical happens when you make a scaled down dessert like individual strawberry shortcake. Suddenly, everyone has room for dessert!
For another fun, fruit-based mini dessert that's was made for the summer, try these Mini Peach Trifles.
Strawberry Shortcake is So Easy!
Let's be honest. even regular strawberry shortcake is easy, especially because of handy dandy dessert shells that you can find right in the bakery of your local grocery store, eliminating the need to fire up the oven.
Other than assembly, the only real prep work needed for this dessert is macerating the strawberries.
Macerate is just a fancy word for soaking fruit in liquid, which makes them softer and more flavorful. For our mini strawberry shortcakes we macerated them with powdered sugar (which draws the liquids out of the berries) and just a hint of Grand Marnier to add a little extra flavor.
For a truly boozy twist to mini desserts you can offer Mudslide Pudding Shots and/or Key Lime Pie Pudding Shots.
This is a slight diversion from traditional southern style strawberry shortcake, but one we think you'll like. If you're looking for more of a traditional dessert, banana pudding always gets rave reviews.
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After your strawberries are macerated, all you'll need to do is assemble your strawberry shortcake! Use a shot glass (we have these 2 oz glasses that are perfect for mini desserts and appetizers) like a biscuit cutter to make little rounds of shortcake.
Pop one in each glass, top with the strawberry mixture and whipped cream and garnish with a small whole strawberry! Serve them with these adorable little spoons and soak up the praise.
Love all things strawberry? You'll want to try this Strawberry-Basil Cocktail! It's the absolute bomb!
If you make any of our recipes we'd love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you're into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.
For a fun and quick look be sure to watch the Google Web Story.
THIS RECIPE MADE OUR "BEST OF THE YEAR" LIST. THE OTHERS CAN BE FOUND HERE.
📖 Recipe
Mini Strawberry Shortcake
Equipment
- 10 2 oz. glasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 10 dessert shells
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 10 small strawberries
Instructions
- Combine diced strawberries, orange liqueur, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Toss to combine.
- Use a small glass (I used a 2 oz. shot glass) like a biscuit cutter to cut 10 small rounds of shortcake. Put one in the bottom of each glass.
- Use a slotted spoon to split strawberry mixture between each glass.
- Top each glass with whipped cream and a whole strawberry.
Beth Neels says
I'm with you! I want to have some BBQ's on the patio and these gorgeous desserts will be perfect! Stay safe out there!
Pam says
Thanks, Beth! You do the same.
Haley D Williams says
These are so fun! I love that they are a mini version for everyone to get one! Love it!
Pam says
Thanks, Haley!
Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
I love the whole concept of serving shortcake in a shot glass. That's so unique and would go down as a great crowd pleaser treat. Love it!
Pam says
Thanks, Charla. We like to offer a little something sweet, but not overwhelming.
Alison says
These are beautiful and delicious. I love the single serving in the cups. Perfect for a dinner party where everyone can have their own individual dessert.
Pam says
Yes, and they can always have two if their sweet tooth isn't satisfied.
Kelly Anthony says
These strawberry shortcakes are a perfect size and will make entertaining a cinch with this quick and easy dessert.
Pam says
Thanks so much, Kelly!
Harriet Young says
These were so tasty! And they looked great too. My dinner party guests were very impressed.
Charla says
I am so using this shortcake recipe for my upcoming dinner party.
Sara Welch says
This was everything a gourmet dessert should be, and then some! Easy, quick and with a beautiful presentation!
Ieva says
So simple and yet so elegant. We served these at a small friends gathering last weekend and it was a huge success!
suja md says
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!