Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Recipes

I absolutely love making these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites whenever I want a delicious treat that's easy to share. These little bites are a fantastic combination of light, fluffy cake and fresh strawberries, all topped off with a creamy whipped frosting. They are the perfect way to celebrate special occasions or simply brighten up an afternoon snack. My friends can't get enough of them, and I’m always excited to see their reactions when they take their first bite!

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:41:37.388Z

When I first created these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites, I was inspired by my childhood memories of picking fresh strawberries. I wanted to capture that sweet, juicy essence in a bite-sized dessert that was also easy to make. After a few trials, I discovered that using a light vanilla cupcake base really allows the strawberry flavor to shine through without overpowering it.

I also experimented with different whipped cream ratios for the frosting, finding that a touch of cream cheese added an incredible depth of flavor while still keeping it light. These bites have become a staple at gatherings, and I love how impressed everyone is with their presentation and taste!

Why You'll Love These Bites
Light and fluffy cupcake texture that melts in your mouth
Sweet, fresh strawberry bites in every single piece
Creamy whipped frosting that perfectly complements the cake
Visually stunning and perfect for any celebration

Perfecting the Cupcake Texture

Achieving a light and fluffy cupcake is key to the success of these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites. The creaming method – combining softened butter with granulated sugar – is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter. Be sure to cream the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it's pale and fluffy. This step ensures your cupcakes will have a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Avoid overmixing once you incorporate the flour, as this can develop gluten and lead to dense cupcakes.

Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, can significantly enhance the texture of your cupcakes. If you forget to take them out in advance, you can quickly warm eggs in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. Also, utilizing a kitchen scale for measuring flour can provide greater accuracy, ensuring that you're not adding too much flour, which could weigh down the batter.

Fresh Strawberry Filling Tips

The strawberry filling is where the magic happens, adding a burst of flavor to your cupcakes. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for the sweetest taste. When chopping, ensure your pieces are roughly uniform in size to guarantee even distribution in each cupcake. Adding lemon juice not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also helps to macerate the fruit, creating a syrupy filling that adds moisture and keeps the cupcakes from being too dry.

Letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes is essential, as it allows the sugars to draw out the juices and create a delicious filling. If you find that your strawberries are not as sweet as you’d like, increase the sugar incrementally, tasting as you go, but be cautious—too much sugar can overpower the delicate fruit flavor.

Frosting Techniques for Success

The frosting plays a vital role in balancing the sweetness of the cupcakes and the fresh strawberries. When whipping the heavy cream, aim for soft peaks, which typically takes about 2-4 minutes on high speed. If you overwhip, the cream can become grainy, so stay vigilant. Incorporating cream cheese adds a tangy flavor and stability to the frosting, making it easy to pipe and preventing it from collapsing.

For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the frosting onto the filled cupcakes. If you're short on time, you can simply spread it on with a spatula, but take care to give enough frosting for a uniform look. If you're making these bites ahead of time, fill the cupcakes and frost just before serving to maintain the cake's texture and prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill mini cupcake liners with the batter, about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well and let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined.

Assemble the Bites

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife to cut a cone shape from the center of each cupcake. Fill the cone with the strawberry mixture, then pipe the whipped frosting on top to cover.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra flair, garnish your strawberry shortcake bites with thinly sliced strawberries on top of the frosting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Bites can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for events or gatherings. Once baked and cooled, the cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days before assembly. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cupcakes without filling for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before adding the strawberry filling and frosting for the best texture.

The strawberry filling can also be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to assemble, the more the strawberries will break down, so try to use the filling within two days for optimal freshness.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors in this recipe! You can substitute other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for the strawberry filling, adjusting the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. For a tropical twist, try adding a splash of coconut extract to the frosting or mixing in crushed pineapple with the strawberries for a Pina Colada-inspired bite.

For an adult version, consider adding a dash of liqueur, like Chambord or Amaretto, into the frosting for added complexity. Just be cautious with the amount, as you want to maintain that whipped texture. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or lemon, can also provide unique variations that keep this dessert exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using.

→ How long do these cupcake bites last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.