The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and one of my favorite parts of cooking is turning familiar desserts into something fun and new. When I first made these Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars, I wanted to capture all the sweetness of a classic shortcake but in a creamy, no-stress version that’s perfect for sharing or saving just for yourself!
It all started on a lazy Sunday afternoon in my kitchen in Crete. I had leftover sponge cake, a handful of ripe strawberries, and a bowl of vanilla pudding cooling on the counter. The scent of vanilla filled the air, and I thought, “Why not layer them all in jars?” That’s how this simple, delicious dessert was born.
Every spoonful of these Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars tastes like nostalgia soft cake, silky pudding, and juicy strawberries that melt together perfectly. They’re as pretty as they are tasty, and because they’re served in jars, cleanup is a breeze!
What I love most is that they’re totally flexible: you can use store-bought pudding, pound cake, or even shortbread cookies. They look beautiful on a brunch table or picnic spread and make a lovely gift when wrapped with a ribbon.
This dessert isn’t about perfection it’s about joy. It’s about those simple kitchen moments that make life sweeter. So, let’s grab a few jars and layer up a little happiness, one spoonful at a time.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pudding Layer:
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or homemade vanilla pudding)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Layer:
- 2 cups vanilla sponge cake, pound cake, or shortbread cookies, cubed
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh strawberry halves
- Crushed cookies or biscuit crumbs
- Mint leaves for color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes until they release their natural juices. This step makes the berries extra flavorful and slightly syrupy the perfect topping for your pudding jars.
Step 2: Make the Pudding
Whisk together the milk, pudding mix, and vanilla extract in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick. If you prefer a richer flavor, use homemade vanilla pudding instead. Chill in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes to let it set slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Base
Cut your sponge or pound cake into bite-sized cubes. You can also use crushed shortbread or ladyfingers if you want a firmer texture. The cake will soak up the strawberry juices and pudding, creating a soft, creamy bite in every spoonful.
Step 4: Assemble the Pudding Jars
Get your jars ready small mason jars or dessert glasses work perfectly.
Start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom. Spoon a layer of strawberries (with syrup) over the cake, then add a layer of pudding. Repeat the layers until the jar is nearly full. Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberry slices on top.
You can create 2–3 layers depending on your jar size. The beauty is in the contrast: creamy pudding, juicy fruit, and fluffy cream!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled jars for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, top with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs or a mint leaf for a fresh finish.
These jars are perfect for parties, picnics, or meal prep you can make them a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge.
Serving & Presentation
There’s something magical about desserts served in jars. They look charming, portion perfectly, and make even a simple recipe feel special. I love serving Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars with a spoon tied to the lid using twine it’s rustic, sweet, and makes people smile before they even take a bite.
Serve these chilled for the best flavor. The cool pudding pairs beautifully with the bright, juicy strawberries, and the soft cake gives it just the right texture. Each spoonful feels like a burst of summer sunshine!
You can also experiment with flavors:
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Use banana or lemon pudding for a twist.
- Layer with crushed vanilla wafers for crunch.
No matter how you make them, these little jars will disappear fast!
Marilyn’s 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! My Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars are the ultimate no-fuss dessert for when I want something sweet and pretty without turning on the oven. Layers of soft cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and juicy strawberries make every spoonful pure comfort. I first made them with leftovers, and now they’ve become a family favorite! They’re perfect for parties or just to keep in the fridge for a quick treat. I love how easy they are to assemble and how they always make people smile. A simple dessert that tastes like pure happiness!
Conclusion
There’s something truly heartwarming about these Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars. They’re proof that you don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps to make something beautiful. Just a few fresh ingredients, a bit of layering, and a lot of love.
Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just yourself, they bring joy to every spoonful. Simple, creamy, and filled with flavor this is what homemade desserts are all about.
So, next time you’ve got a sweet craving, skip the oven and grab a jar. Your taste buds (and your heart) will thank you.