Give it up my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of these Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits. I am literally obsessed. I dream about them. If you love strawberry desserts in jars, you have to try this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow for another fun, fluffy treat.
We’re talking fluffy, buttery shortcake, juicy macerated strawberries, and clouds of sweet whipped cream. All layered up in a cute jar. It’s pure, portable joy in a glass. Come to Mama!
This is the ultimate dessert hack. It’s a picnic superstar, a genius gift, and the easiest way to impress a crowd. Let’s make some magic together!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 parfaits
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I first made these for a friend’s birthday picnic in the park. I wanted something special that wouldn’t be a mess.
When I pulled out the jars, everyone went nuts. The oohs and aahs were real! Now, I’m asked to bring them to every single gathering. They are my secret weapon for happiness.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
You don’t need much! Just fresh berries, a few baking staples, and heavy cream. That’s it. The magic is in the layers.
Grab some cute 16-ounce mason jars. They are the stars of the show! I use them for all sorts of meal prep, like these super handy Mason Jar Chicken Burrito Bowls.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Here’s everything you need. Measure it all out first. It makes the process so smooth and fun.
- For the Shortcake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Strawberries:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- 4 (16 oz) wide-mouth mason jars with lids
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps and you’ll be a parfait pro. It’s easier than you think, I promise!
Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the shortcake dough. In a big bowl, whisk the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk the cold milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour this into the flour mixture. Gently stir just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix!
- Drop the dough into 8 rough mounds on your baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- While the shortcake bakes, macerate the strawberries. Toss the sliced berries with 3 tbsp sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit and get all juicy for at least 20 minutes.
- Make the whipped cream. Using a hand mixer, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high until stiff peaks form. This is the fluffy cloud layer!
- Now, the best part: layering! In each jar, start with a layer of shortcake crumbs. Top with a spoonful of strawberries and their juices. Then add a big dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers once more.
- Seal the jars with their lids. They are ready to devour immediately, or you can chill them for a bit. The flavors get even better as they mingle!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Got extra berries? Want to mix it up? Go for it! This recipe loves a good twist.
Try adding a layer of lemon curd or vanilla pudding for extra creaminess. It’s incredible.
Swap the strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries. A summer berry bonanza!
For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some toasted almond slices or crushed shortbread cookies between the layers. Yes, please!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
These parfaits are best enjoyed the day they’re made. But if you have leftovers, I get it!
Store them in the fridge with the lids on for up to 24 hours. The shortcake will soften, but it’s still delicious.
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled parfait. But you can freeze the baked and cooled shortcake pieces in a bag for up to a month! Thaw and use as needed.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~650
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 8g
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use store-bought pound cake instead?
You totally can! To save time, grab a good-quality loaf. Cube it up and use it in the layers. But trust me, the homemade shortcake is a game-changer.
How far ahead can I assemble these?
For the best texture, assemble them no more than 2-3 hours before serving. You can prep all the parts (cake, berries, cream) separately the day before, though! Then just layer and go.
What size jar is best?
I’m a 16-ounce wide-mouth jar stan! They give you plenty of room for beautiful layers. You can use smaller jars for cute mini desserts, too. Just adjust your layers.
There you have it! My absolute favorite treat to make and share. These parfaits are a total mood booster. If you’re looking for more savory inspiration for your jars, check out my full guide to Mason Jar Chicken Burrito Bowls: Your Easy Meal Prep Win!
They bring so much happiness. Whether it’s for a picnic, a gift, or just a Tuesday, you deserve this sweet, layered delight. Now go make some!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
