The Story & Intro
Growing up on the island of Crete, summers always meant fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and plenty of love in the kitchen. My grandmother used to make traditional shortcakes every year, layering them with juicy berries and sweet cream. One warm afternoon, I decided to give her recipe a modern twist Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes.
These little desserts are my go-to when I want to make something that feels special but doesn’t require much effort. The best part? They look absolutely gorgeous served in jars perfect for parties, picnics, or cozy family nights.
Every bite of these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes combines fluffy vanilla shortcake, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream. They’re portable, adorable, and totally irresistible. I love how simple they are to assemble no fancy tools or baking skills required. Just layer, chill, and enjoy.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your kids, or just treating yourself after dinner, these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are pure joy in dessert form. Sweet, creamy, fruity, and beautiful everything you want in a summer dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple and flexible this recipe is. You can use homemade shortcakes or store-bought sponge, and the rest is easy layering magic.
For the Shortcakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly
- 6–8 small mason jars (4 oz size)
- Extra strawberry slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their natural juices. This makes the berries sweet and syrupy perfect for layering.
Step 2: Bake the Shortcakes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add milk and mix just until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden. Let them cool completely before crumbling them into chunks for layering.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat you want the cream light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Mason Jars
Now comes the fun part! In each mini jar, start with a layer of crumbled shortcake, then spoon in some strawberries and their syrup, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat until the jar is full. Top with a few extra berries for a pretty finish.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving & Enjoying
Serve these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes chilled and straight from the jar. They’re perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or a sweet afternoon treat. I love topping each with a fresh mint leaf and a drizzle of strawberry syrup for that final touch of color and freshness.
If you’re making them ahead, assemble the jars up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. The layers hold up beautifully, and the flavor only gets better as the strawberries soak into the cake.
They’re also great for gifting just screw on the jar lids and add a ribbon!
Tips & Variations
- Use Store-Bought Cake: For an even faster version, use store-bought sponge cake or pound cake.
- Add Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream for brightness.
- Make It Chocolate: Replace the shortcake with chocolate sponge for a decadent twist.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut whipped cream and plant-based butter in the shortcakes.
Conclusion
These Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes bring together everything I love about homemade desserts freshness, simplicity, and a little creativity. They’re beautiful, delicious, and effortless, proving that the most delightful treats often come in small packages.
Whether you’re baking for your family, a picnic, or just yourself, these jars of sweetness will make any occasion feel special. Simple ingredients, stunning presentation, and the joy of strawberries that’s what makes these shortcakes unforgettable.
About Marilyn (Short Version)
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with creativity. Whether you’re new to cooking or have years of experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home one sweet jar at a time.