Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups
Highlighted under: Baked Perfection
I absolutely love making Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups because they bring a burst of sweetness to our table. The combination of flaky biscuits and juicy strawberries creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist. I’ve experimented with various toppings and fillings, and I find that a light whipped cream really complements the fruit beautifully. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy weekend treat, these dessert cups never fail to impress my family and friends.
When I first created these Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups, it was during a family gathering in the middle of summer. I wanted to make something refreshing yet satisfying, and these little cups were the perfect solution. The fluffy biscuits paired with fresh strawberries and cream created a beautiful and delicious spectacle that left everyone wanting more.
One improvement I made in this recipe was to lightly macerate the strawberries with sugar and a pinch of lemon juice. This step really enhances their sweetness and draws out more flavor. The result is juicy strawberries that perfectly complement the buttery biscuit base.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flaky biscuits that melt in your mouth
- Fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor
- Customizable with various toppings
Perfecting Your Biscuit Base
The biscuit base is crucial for achieving that tender, flaky texture that defines these dessert cups. Be sure to use very cold butter, as this helps to create steam pockets during baking, leading to a lighter biscuit. If you don't have unsalted butter, salted butter will work—just omit the additional salt in the recipe. For an extra flavorful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. Stir just until the ingredients come together to maintain that nice, crumbly texture. You want to see small lumps of butter remaining in the mixture—this is what contributes to the desirable flakiness once baked. If you notice the dough is too wet, you can sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Strawberry Preparation Techniques
Macerating the strawberries is a key step in bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing their flavor. By combining the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, you allow the fruit to soften and release its juices, resulting in a syrupy topping. If you're short on time, you can macerate the strawberries for just 5 minutes, but letting them sit for 10 will yield a richer flavor. For those who prefer a less sweet version, feel free to reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey.
If you want to take the flavor to the next level, consider adding a touch of balsamic vinegar to the macerated strawberries. A teaspoon mixed in can elevate the flavor profile and introduce a delightful depth that is particularly appealing during the summer months when the berries are at their peak. It's a simple way to surprise your guests with something a bit more sophisticated.
Ingredients
Before we start, gather all the ingredients for the best results:
For the Biscuit Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup whipped cream
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to begin!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious dessert cups:
Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Bake the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Assemble the Dessert Cups
Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, cut them in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half of each biscuit with macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Replace the top half and add more strawberries and cream on top.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute other berries or add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups are best served fresh, allowing the biscuits' texture to complement the juicy strawberries and whipped cream. You can prepare the biscuit base in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Just assemble the cups right before serving to maintain the biscuits' flaky nature and avoid sogginess from the strawberries.
For an impressive presentation, serve the dessert cups in clear glass dishes. This way, you can layer the biscuits, strawberries, and cream for a colorful effect that highlights each ingredient. You can also experiment with various toppings, such as toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts to add different textures and flavor notes.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning a gathering, you can prepare elements of this dessert ahead of time. The biscuit dough can be made beforehand, shaped into rounds, and frozen. To bake from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time, checking for the same golden color and fluffiness. This allows you to have fresh biscuits ready without a last-minute rush.
You can also macerate the strawberries a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the dessert cups. The combination of freshly baked biscuits and chilled macerated strawberries creates a lovely contrast in temperatures, making it even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the biscuits a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
→ What other fruits can I use?
You can substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
→ Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Absolutely! Store-bought biscuits will save you time if you're in a hurry.
→ How can I store leftover dessert cups?
Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups
I absolutely love making Strawberry Biscuit Dessert Cups because they bring a burst of sweetness to our table. The combination of flaky biscuits and juicy strawberries creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist. I’ve experimented with various toppings and fillings, and I find that a light whipped cream really complements the fruit beautifully. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy weekend treat, these dessert cups never fail to impress my family and friends.
Created by: Maribel Hayes
Recipe Type: Baked Perfection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Biscuit Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup whipped cream
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, cut them in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half of each biscuit with macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Replace the top half and add more strawberries and cream on top.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute other berries or add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g