Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups

Name: Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 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; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Heavenly Bakes

I absolutely love making Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups whenever strawberries are in season! The vibrant color and sweet aroma of fresh strawberries inspire this delightful dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I can create a light and creamy treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. These cups are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying as a delicious weeknight dessert. Trust me, once you taste the creamy mixture paired with the refreshing strawberries, you'll be coming back for more!

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:25:36.262Z

When I first created these Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups, I wanted to celebrate the beauty of strawberries without overwhelming their delicate flavor. I decided to incorporate a velvety whipped cream that is sweetened just enough to complement the fruit. After several experiments, I discovered that incorporating a splash of vanilla and a hint of lemon juice elevated the cream's flavor, making it irresistibly scrumptious!

The key to perfecting this dessert is to use fresh strawberries at their peak ripeness. I often visit the local farmer's market to pick up the juiciest berries, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Remember to chill your serving cups for a couple of minutes for an extra refreshing experience!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicious balance of sweet cream and tart strawberries
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute desserts
Elegant presentation makes it great for gatherings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups lies in the quality of your heavy whipping cream. Look for cream with a fat content of at least 36% for the best results. This higher fat content allows for stable peaks, giving your whipped cream a luxurious texture that is both light and rich. Using cold cream makes it easier to whip, so I recommend chilling your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for an even fluffier consistency.

Strawberries are naturally juicy and sweet, but the variety you choose can enhance the overall flavor of this dessert. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for the best taste; they should have a deep red color without any white or green spots. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with thawed frozen strawberries. Just be sure to drain excess liquid, as frozen berries often release more juice.

Tips for Perfect Assembly

When assembling your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups, consider using clear glasses or jars to showcase the beautiful layers. This not only adds visual appeal but also highlights the vibrant red of the strawberries against the soft cream. If you’re short on time, feel free to prepare the layers in advance; just wait to add the layers until you’re ready to serve, ensuring the cream stays fluffy and fresh.

For varied flavors and textures, feel free to mix in other fruits or toppings. Adding a layer of crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies between the cream and strawberries introduces a delightful crunch. Additionally, a splash of balsamic vinegar over the strawberries can enhance their sweetness, creating a sophisticated twist that complements the cream beautifully!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start preparing this delightful treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of powdered sugar. This will help draw out the natural juices. Set aside while you prepare the cream.

Make the Cream

In another bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Continue whisking until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

Spoon a layer of the whipped cream into the bottom of each serving cup. Add a generous layer of the strawberry mixture on top. Repeat layers until the cups are filled.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch.

Enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups!

Pro Tips

For variation, consider adding crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch or use a different berry like blueberries or raspberries to mix things up!

Make-Ahead Tips

These Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or busy weeknights. Prepare the cream ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. For the best flavor and texture, layer the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving. This ensures the cream maintains its airy structure, while the strawberries stay vibrant and juicy.

If you're planning to make these cups a day in advance, consider keeping the strawberry mixture separate until you're ready to serve. This prevents the cream from becoming watery from the strawberries' natural juices. You can also store assembled cups in the fridge for a shorter duration, ideally no more than 4 hours, to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cups, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. A drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate sauce can also add an extra layer of indulgence that contrasts beautifully with the fruit’s tartness. For a more festive touch, consider adding edible flowers as a garnish, which not only looks stunning but also enhances the sensory experience.

These cups pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages as well. Consider serving them alongside sparkling water, herbal tea, or a light white wine that complements the dessert's sweetness. As a fun twist, you might add a scoop of sorbet to each cup for an added burst of flavor and a refreshing contrast to the cream.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the whipped cream and strawberries a few hours in advance and assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to one day. However, the whipped cream may lose some of its texture over time.

→ Can I substitute whipped cream with another topping?

Absolutely! You can use whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.