Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 pieces of shortcake or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade); Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars for special occasions or a delightful treat at home. These charming little jars not only look stunning but also bring together the incredible flavors of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender cake in each layer. Preparing them is a breeze, and it's fun to present desserts in individual servings. Whether for a picnic or a dinner party, these jars will undoubtedly impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:05:36.418Z

When I first tried making Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars, I was immediately captivated by their charm and taste. These jars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. I found that layering the ingredients helped create a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor in each bite.

One tip that really enhanced my shortcakes is to use freshly whipped cream, as it adds lightness and a rich texture that store-bought versions just can't match. I love experimenting with the amount of strawberries, too, so that there's an abundance of juicy fruit in every layer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Beautiful presentation in individual jars
Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor
Light and airy whipped cream perfectly complements the cake
Quick and easy preparation for any occasion

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When selecting strawberries for your Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with dullness or soft spots, as they indicate overripeness. You can enhance their sweetness further by letting them sit with sugar; this process not only draws out the juices but also intensifies the flavor, leading to a more vibrant layer in your jars.

If strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen berries. Simply thaw them and drain excess liquid to maintain the right consistency. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may be softer, but they can still deliver a delicious taste when properly prepared. You can also experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries to give this dessert a twist!

Whipping Cream to Perfection

Achieving the ideal whipped cream is crucial for the texture of your Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars. When whipping the heavy cream, use a chilled bowl and beaters to help it reach soft peaks more quickly. It’s important not to over-whip; stop as soon as you see the cream holding its shape but still velvety, or else you may end up with butter instead!

If you want an alternative to heavy cream, consider using coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Make sure to chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solidified cream on top before whipping. This swap will deliver a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries while maintaining a delightful texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 pieces of shortcake or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure your strawberries are fresh for the best flavor. Enjoy assembling your jars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars:

Prepare Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Whip Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble Jars

Layer the bottom of each jar with pieces of shortcake, followed by a layer of sweetened strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat layers until jars are filled.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with a few slices of strawberry on top and a mint leaf for garnish if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars as a sweet treat!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for brightness. You can also substitute the shortcake with ladyfingers for a different texture.

Storage Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be prepared ahead of time. If you need to store them, keep them refrigerated for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness. After a couple of hours, the strawberries may begin to soften and release more juice, altering the layered presentation.

To prepare in advance for a gathering, assemble the jars without adding the whipped cream. Store the layers separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, whip up the cream and layer it in just before presenting for a fresh and fluffy texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize your jars by incorporating flavored whipped creams, such as adding a splash of almond extract or citrus zest to the cream before whipping. You can also layer in additional elements like sliced bananas or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added depth and flavor contrast.

For a more indulgent treat, consider topping the jars with crumbled cookies or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture. These small touches can elevate your dessert from simple to extraordinary, impressing guests at any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these jars in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the jars a few hours ahead. Just keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of strawberries?

You can substitute strawberries with any berries you like, such as blueberries or raspberries.

→ Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped topping is a convenient alternative if you're short on time.

→ How long do these jars last in the fridge?

They are best enjoyed within 24 hours, but can last up to 2 days in the fridge, though the texture may change.