The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, from the sun-drenched island of Crete in Greece. Whenever strawberry season rolls around, I can’t resist making something fresh, fruity, and full of love. These Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are one of my absolute favorites. They remind me of long summer afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. She’d always say, “The best desserts are the ones you can share,” and that’s exactly what these little jars do they turn dessert into an experience you can hold in your hand.
I love how these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes combine the buttery sweetness of traditional shortcake with layers of juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, all tucked neatly into glass jars. They’re not only adorable but also practical perfect for picnics, parties, or gifting. You don’t need fancy baking skills to make them, just simple ingredients and a bit of love.
If you’re someone who loves quick desserts that look impressive but are secretly easy to make, these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes will win your heart. They’re light, creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor everything a summer dessert should be!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes:
For the Shortcake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 6 small mason jars (4–6 oz each)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by combining sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes until the strawberries release their natural juices. This creates that irresistible sweet syrup that makes your Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes so flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Shortcake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Add milk and vanilla extract, stirring just until combined.
Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten it. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely, then crumble the shortcake into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This luscious whipped cream is the perfect cloud-like layer for your Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Mason Jars
Now for the fun part! Add a layer of shortcake crumbs at the bottom of each jar. Spoon in a layer of strawberries and syrup, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the jars are full. Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the jars for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to mingle beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with a mint leaf or a drizzle of strawberry syrup. These Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are the perfect make-ahead dessert that stays fresh and picture-perfect for hours!
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are a dream for any occasion from bridal showers to Sunday brunch. I love serving them with iced coffee or sparkling lemonade for a light, summery touch.
You can also switch things up by adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra texture. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the whipped cream for coconut cream it adds a subtle tropical twist!
For gifting, tie a little ribbon around each jar and attach a tag. Trust me, your friends will adore these thoughtful, homemade treats that look straight out of a bakery.
Conclusion
Making these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes is a sweet reminder that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. They’re a celebration of simple ingredients, layered with love and creativity. Every spoonful tastes like summer, comfort, and happy memories shared around the table.
Whether you’re hosting a party, surprising someone special, or just craving something light and fruity, these Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’ve become one of my all-time favorite desserts to make and share!
Short 100-Word Version (for Recipe Card Section)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! These Mini Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcakes are my favorite summer treat simple, sweet, and absolutely stunning. Buttery shortcake layers, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream come together in adorable mason jars for the perfect single-serve dessert. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and impossible to resist. Whether for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in, they’re a delicious way to turn fresh strawberries into a memory-filled moment of joy.