Mini Angel Food Strawberry Shortcakes

To prepare shortcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stir flour, 1/4 cup sugar and salt together in a medium bowl. Place egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add 1/4 cup sugar and beat on high speed until medium peaks form. Sift the flour mixture over the egg-white mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

Divide the mixture among the cups of an (unsprayed) regular muffin tin. They should be full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in a cupcake comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack until completely cool.

Meanwhile, to prepare filling: Stir strawberries and 2 tablespoons sugar together in a medium bowl. Let stand until juicy, at least 20 minutes. Place cream in a large metal bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

To assemble shortcakes: Run a knife around the outside edge of the shortcakes, then remove them from the pan. Cut the shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberries (and juices) over each shortcake bottom and dollop about 2 tablespoons of the whipped cream on top. Replace the shortcake tops.