Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Inspirations

I love making Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars because they combine fresh flavors with a beautiful presentation. The layers of whipped cream, sponge cake, and juicy strawberries create a delightful dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, serving them in individual jars adds a fun twist to a classic treat. I always get excited when putting these together, as it gives me a reason to experiment with variations, like using different fruit or adding a splash of liqueur for an adult version. It's a perfect dessert to bring to gatherings and will surely impress!

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-02-14T23:57:36.100Z

Creating Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars has become one of my favorite ways to showcase the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries. Each layer—the sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and light sponge cake—blends perfectly. When I first tried this method in jars, I found it not only kept everything fresh but also allowed for unique presentations. It's like enjoying a little piece of art with every bite!

One key tip I discovered is to macerate the strawberries in a bit of sugar before layering. This releases their natural juices, enhancing the flavor and creating a luscious base that seeps into the sponge. It adds an irresistible sweetness and keeps the dessert delightful and moist. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Refreshing, seasonal strawberries steal the show.
Easily customizable for different fruits or flavors.
Perfectly portioned for gatherings or a quick indulgence.

Perfectly Ripe Strawberries

Choosing the right strawberries is essential for this recipe to shine. Look for strawberries that are bright red with a shiny exterior and fresh green leaves. These characteristics often indicate peak ripeness, which translates to better flavor and sweetness. If you can't find fresh strawberries, frozen ones can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could make the shortcake soggy.

When combining the sliced strawberries with sugar, allow them to macerate for at least 10 minutes. This process enhances their natural juices, creating a syrup that will soaking into the shortcake later. If you want a hint of added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar with the sugar to elevate the taste.

Shortcake Texture Tips

For a light and fluffy shortcake, it’s important to not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the ideal light and airy sponge we want for layering. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and you see no flour pockets, then transfer it to your baking dish immediately.

Watch the baking time closely. The shortcake is done when it’s golden brown and springs back to the touch. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, lightly cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center continues to bake. This technique ensures an evenly baked shortcake that's perfect for layering.

Whipped Cream Success

For optimal whipped cream, use heavy cream that’s chilled thoroughly, as colder cream whips faster and achieves more volume. Begin by beating the cream on medium speed until it forms soft peaks. This stage is crucial—if you overbeat, you’ll end up with butter rather than a silky smooth topping. Keep a close eye on the texture; stop the mixer at soft peaks for that perfect whipped cream consistency.

Another tip is to add the powdered sugar gradually. This allows better incorporation into the cream without clumping. If you prefer a slightly sweeter whipped cream, you can adjust the sugar to taste, but keep in mind that the shortcake and strawberries will also contribute to the overall sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the Shortcake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have mason jars ready for assembling!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to assemble your dessert:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Toss gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

Bake the Shortcake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed. When it starts to thicken, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Jars

Cut the cooled shortcake into small squares. In mason jars, layer the shortcake, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the jars are full, finishing with whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Pro Tips

For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries. You can also substitute the cake with store-bought ladyfingers for a quicker version.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with the flavor profiles in your Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jars. You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a seasonal twist. Each fruit has a unique acidity and sweetness that can complement the cream and shortcake beautifully. Just ensure that the maceration process is applied similarly, adjusting the sugar accordingly to the sweetness of the fruit used.

For an adult version, consider adding a splash of liqueur to the macerated fruit. A tablespoon of amaretto or Grand Marnier can add a sophisticated layer of flavor. Be cautious not to overpower the natural fruit flavor; a little goes a long way.

Make-Ahead and Storage

To save time, you can prepare each component in advance. The shortcake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, while the whipped cream is best made on the day of serving for peak freshness. If preparing the strawberries ahead, store them in the fridge, but keep in mind that they will release more juice over time, so layer them closer to serving for the best texture.

Once assembled, these jars are best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain the integrity of the layers. If you need to store them longer, keep the shortcake, whipped cream, and strawberries separate until you’re ready to serve, preventing the shortcake from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are not only perfect for sharing but also make a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. For a pop of color, consider drizzling a coulis made from blended strawberries or adding mint leaves for garnish. This adds visual appeal and a refreshing aroma to your dessert presentation.

For an elegant touch, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination provides an additional layer of creaminess that complements the dessert wonderfully. It's a delightful way to elevate a classic treat, making it not only a dessert but an experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture.

→ How long can I store these jars?

They are best enjoyed within 2 days stored in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the shortcake.

→ What other fruits can I use?

Peaches, blueberries, or raspberries work beautifully as alternatives.