Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars

Name: Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

I love making Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars, especially during strawberry season. The vibrant colors of the strawberries layered with the creamy whipped topping and moist cake make a visually stunning dessert. Each spoonful combines sweetness and texture, creating an unforgettable treat. This dessert is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying at home. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, allowing newcomers to feel like seasoned bakers. Join me as I share my favorite recipe that brings fresh flavors and a delightful presentation to the table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:49:27.229Z

When I first attempted these adorable jars, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive they turned out. Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars became my go-to dessert for summer gatherings. I learned that using fresh strawberries during peak season elevates the flavor and brightness of the dish. The key is to make sure you let the strawberries marinate in a bit of sugar to draw out their juices.

As I experimented, I found that a light sponge cake worked beautifully, delivering just the right texture to soak up the strawberry juices. Using jar presentations not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes serving easy, allowing everyone to dig into their own delicious layer of heaven.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor in every bite
Creamy layers balanced perfectly with light cake
Easy to prepare and visually stunning for any occasion

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When it comes to making Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars, the quality of your strawberries is crucial. Look for strawberries that are vibrant red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any that have dull skin or are overly soft, as these may not have the best flavor. If you can't find fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to get rid of excess moisture, which could make the dessert soggy.

Seasonality matters as well; during peak strawberry season, you'll notice a marked difference in taste and sweetness. If you want to enhance the flavor further, let your sliced strawberries sit in sugar for a while, as mentioned in the recipe. This method not only draws out their juices but also intensifies their natural sweetness and helps create a delicious syrup that will permeate the layers of your dessert.

Perfecting Your Shortcake

The shortcake layers are the foundation of this dessert, so achieving the right texture is essential. When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix; you should stop as soon as the ingredients are barely combined to create a tender final product. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and moisture that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Make sure your baking dish is properly greased, as this will help the shortcake come out without sticking. You’ll know the cake is done when it springs back to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a fun twist, consider adding citrus zest to the batter for a refreshing note that pairs well with the strawberries.

Layering Techniques

When assembling the jars, take your time to create visually appealing layers. Use a spoon or a small spatula to distribute the shortcake cubes evenly among the jars. This ensures that every bite contains a lovely balance of cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. You can also experiment with different jar sizes; smaller jars create a more intimate presentation, while larger ones are perfect for sharing.

To elevate your dessert presentation, consider drizzling a bit of the strawberry syrup you created with the marinated berries over the top layer of whipped cream. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color that makes the jars even more enticing. If you want to make these jars ahead of time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days without sacrificing quality, though I recommend adding the whipped cream just before serving for optimal freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

For the Shortcake Layers

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

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your parfaits:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Assemble the Jars

Once the shortcake has cooled, cut it into small cubes. In each jar, layer the shortcake, marinated strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat the layering until the jars are full, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the strawberry mixture or infuse the cream with a hint of mint.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftover Layered Strawberry Shortcake Jars, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, if you anticipate needing them for an event, consider preparing the individual components ahead of time. Assemble the shortcake and strawberry filling, and layer them into the jars just before serving. This keeps the whipped cream from becoming soggy and maintains the dessert's delightful texture.

While I don't recommend freezing the assembled jars, you can freeze the shortcake layers and strawberries separately. Wrap the baked shortcake well in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. For strawberries, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw them when you're ready to enjoy your dessert, but remember that they may become softer once frozen.

Variations and Customizations

Don't hesitate to get creative with this recipe! You can swap out strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, adjusting the sugar in the filling based on the fruits' sweetness. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, creating delightful variations that bring new life to the original recipe.

For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the shortcake batter. Pair it with chocolate whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce layered among the fruits. Alternatively, add a layer of lemon curd between the shortcake and strawberries for a refreshing citrus burst that beautifully complements the sweet flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can I store the layered jars?

They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the sooner you eat them, the better!

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the shortcake?

Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components a day in advance and assemble just before serving.