Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites

Name: Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I love making Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites for gatherings because they are the perfect bite-sized treat! With layers of flaky biscuit, delightful whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, each bite bursts with flavor. They are surprisingly easy to put together, making them a go-to recipe for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. Plus, the vibrant colors and presentation always impress my friends and family, making them a real showstopper on any dessert table.

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:26:27.801Z

When I first decided to make Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a delightful dessert. The key is to use fresh strawberries and quality whipped cream, which elevate the overall experience. I remember the first time I served them; my guests couldn’t believe how light and airy they were!

For the biscuits, I found that using cold butter and handling the dough as little as possible creates a perfectly flaky texture. This tip transformed my approach to shortcake, creating layers that are simply irresistible. With every bite, the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy topping is an explosion of joy, reminding me of summer days spent in my grandmother’s garden.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flaky biscuits that melt in your mouth
Fresh strawberries provide a burst of flavor
Perfectly portioned for easy serving and sharing

The Importance of Cold Butter

Using cold butter is crucial for achieving the ideal biscuit texture in these Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites. When cold butter is cut into the flour mixture, it creates small pockets of fat that lead to flaky layers. If the butter melts before baking, the biscuits can become dense and tough rather than light and airy. To keep the butter cold, consider placing your cubed butter in the freezer for a few minutes before incorporating it into the dry ingredients.

Additionally, ensure you don’t overmix the dough after adding the heavy cream. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a chewy biscuit instead of a tender one. Mix just until the ingredients come together, and remember that it's okay if some dry flour remains; the moisture will absorb during baking.

Selecting the Best Strawberries

When choosing strawberries for your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and have a natural sheen. Avoid any that are overly soft or have blemishes, as these can lead to a watery filling that may soggy the biscuits. Washing strawberries under cool water just before use helps maintain their freshness while ensuring they are clean to eat.

If you want to enhance the sweetness of your strawberries, consider macerating them before assembly. This involves tossing the sliced fruit with a little granulated sugar and letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes. The sugar draws out the natural juices, creating a flavorful syrup that drizzles beautifully over the shortcake bites.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites are best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Keep the whipped cream in the refrigerator, and assemble the bites just before serving to ensure the biscuits remain fluffy and don’t get soggy.

For a fun twist, consider experimenting with other fruits like blueberries or peaches, which can be swapped in place of strawberries. Each fruit offers a different flavor profile, and you could even create a mixed berry version for vibrant color and variety on your dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Shortcake Bites

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Cut the dough into small circles using a cookie cutter. Place the rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Assemble the Bites

Once the biscuits have cooled, slice them in half horizontally. On the bottom half of each biscuit, add a dollop of whipped cream and several strawberry slices, then top with the other half of the biscuit. Repeat for all biscuits.

Enjoy your Mini Strawberry Shortcake Bites immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some strawberry syrup over the top before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your biscuits come out too hard or dense, it's likely due to overmixing the dough or using butter that was too warm. For future batches, ensure you're handling the dough gently and check the temperature of your butter before starting. If you notice some biscuits browning more quickly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.

Should your whipped cream fail to thicken, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely chilled before whipping. This helps create the right environment for the cream to reach soft peaks. If it starts to become grainy or separates, you've likely overbeaten—stop immediately to salvage the cream.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize the whipped cream by adding flavors that complement the strawberries. For example, a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of orange zest can bring an exciting twist. I love to incorporate a bit of lemon juice as well, which brightens the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

For chocolate lovers, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the biscuit and whipped cream or drizzling it on top before serving. This addition can elevate the dessert experience and make it even more indulgent, perfect for a special occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture.

→ How long do these bites stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed within 2 days if refrigerated.

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuits a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative.