The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, and if you’ve ever spent a summer evening in Crete, you’ll know the feeling of warm air, laughter, and the sweet scent of ripe strawberries from the garden. When I was little, my grandmother and I would pick fresh strawberries from her garden, their juice staining our fingers red. We’d turn them into everything jams, cakes, and my favorite, little parfaits that layered cream, biscuit, and berries in perfect harmony.
That’s where my inspiration for these Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters comes from tiny glasses filled with layers of flavor that feel like sunshine in every bite. These are the perfect desserts for parties, family dinners, or even a little afternoon indulgence just for you. They’re light, creamy, fruity, and incredibly easy to prepare.
What I love most about Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters is their balance: soft vanilla cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries simple, elegant, and refreshing. You can serve them at weddings, birthdays, or just for fun when you want something beautiful and delicious.
So grab your spoon we’re about to make a dessert that’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Ingredients
For the cake layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the strawberry filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the cream layer:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
- Crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers
- Mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into small cubes.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Layer
In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring until the strawberries release their juices and slightly soften. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip you want it fluffy and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Parfait Shooters
Now comes the fun part! In small glasses or dessert shooters, start with a layer of cake cubes, then a spoonful of strawberry sauce, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat until the glass is full, finishing with a swirl of cream on top. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprinkle of crushed cookies or mint leaves.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters are perfect for brunches, garden parties, or even bridal showers. I love serving them chilled with a side of iced coffee or sparkling water with lemon. You can also prepare them ahead of time just cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
For an extra twist, try adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate between layers or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical flair.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters: A Sweet Taste of Summer Delight
These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters are mini layered desserts made with soft vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Light, elegant, and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for parties, brunches, or a refreshing treat after dinner. Each bite tastes like summer in a glass — creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 parfait shooters
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
For the Cream Layer:
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
Crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers
Fresh strawberry slices
Mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one by one, then mix in vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Pour into pan and bake 25–30 mins.
Cool and cut into cubes.Make the Strawberry Layer:
Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Cool completely.Whip the Cream:
In a chilled bowl, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.Assemble the Shooters:
In small glasses, layer cake cubes, strawberry filling, and whipped cream.
Repeat and top with a dollop of cream, a strawberry slice, and mint.Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
You can substitute vanilla cake with store-bought pound cake or sponge cake.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream.
Parfaits can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Perfect for bridal showers, picnics, and festive gatherings!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered / No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait shooter
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Conclusion
There’s something magical about combining simple ingredients into something beautiful and satisfying. These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters capture that magic light, creamy, fruity, and elegant. They remind me of sunny days in Crete and my grandmother’s laughter as we layered strawberries and cream together.
Food connects us through love, stories, and shared joy and these little desserts are the sweetest reminder of that. So go ahead, grab your spoon, and let’s make some delicious memories together!
Short Version (100 Words)
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! These Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Shooters are a sweet nod to my childhood summers picking strawberries with my grandmother. They’re layered with vanilla cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries light, creamy, and perfect for any celebration. Ready in no time, these mini desserts are as pretty as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, they bring a taste of summer in every spoonful. Simple, fresh, and full of love exactly how dessert should be!