The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, summer always meant fresh strawberries and family gatherings where desserts were made with love not stress. My grandmother taught me that great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and these No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are a perfect example of that.
They’re light, creamy, and incredibly easy to put together no oven required! On hot days, when you’d rather spend time enjoying the sunshine than baking, this recipe becomes a lifesaver. It’s sweet enough to satisfy every craving, but simple enough that anyone can make it.
I love preparing these No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups for casual get-togethers, picnics, or just when I want to treat myself. Every layer buttery cookie crumbs, fluffy cream, and juicy strawberries brings a burst of freshness and nostalgia. And the best part? They look fancy enough to impress, even though they take only minutes to make.
So grab your mixing bowl, a few strawberries, and let’s make a no-bake dessert that tastes like sunshine in a cup!
Ingredients
To make these No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups, you’ll need:
For the Crust Layer:
- 1 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 6 small glass cups or mini jars
- Extra strawberries and mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, mix chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their natural juices. This creates a sweet, syrupy base that gives your No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups that classic shortcake flavor.
Step 2: Make the Crust Layer
In another bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each small cup to form the crust. Set aside while you prepare the cream layer.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Layer
Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy. This light, creamy filling is what makes these No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups so dreamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Now comes the fun part! Spoon or pipe a layer of cream over the crust. Add a spoonful of macerated strawberries, then repeat the layers until each cup is filled. Finish with a swirl of cream and a few strawberry slices on top.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the layers firm up and the flavors blend beautifully. Serve chilled with a sprig of mint or a dusting of crushed cookies on top.
Serving Suggestions
These No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are ideal for any occasion birthdays, baby showers, brunches, or even a quiet evening at home. I love serving them in mini glass jars because they look so elegant and are perfectly portioned.
For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a layer of strawberry jam for extra richness. You can also make a dairy-free version using coconut whipped cream and vegan cookies.
If you’re preparing them for guests, make them a day ahead they stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about a dessert that comes together effortlessly yet feels special every time. These No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups prove that you don’t need an oven to create something magical. Each spoonful combines sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and buttery crumbs in perfect harmony.
They’re refreshing, light, and full of that homemade charm we all love. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging in a simple treat, these mini cups will make any moment a little sweeter.
Give them a try and I promise, you’ll fall in love with how quick and delicious they are!
Short 100-Word Version (for Recipe Card Section)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! These No-Bake Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups are my go-to summer dessert creamy, fruity, and ready in minutes. With buttery cookie crumbs, whipped cream, and juicy strawberries layered in glass cups, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a cozy treat at home. No oven, no fuss just pure sweetness in every bite!