The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and one of my favorite things about dessert is that it doesn’t always have to be fancy sometimes, it just has to be fun. I grew up watching my grandmother turn simple ingredients into magic, layering biscuits, berries, and cream into what she called “a spoonful of summer.”
These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars are my modern twist on her recipe a dreamy combination of silky vanilla pudding, buttery shortcake crumbs, and fresh strawberries, all tucked neatly into mini mason jars. They’re easy, portable, and irresistibly cute.
Every layer tells a story: crumbly golden biscuits for warmth, creamy pudding for comfort, and juicy strawberries for sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a garden brunch, prepping make-ahead desserts for a party, or just craving something sweet after dinner, these little jars are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
And the best part? No oven required. Just a whisk, a few jars, and a love for strawberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shortcake Crumbs
- 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ cup whipped topping or whipped cream
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Crumbled shortcake or cookie crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Shortcake Crumbs
In a medium bowl, mix crushed cookies with melted butter and sugar. Stir until the texture resembles wet sand. Spread onto a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. (You can skip this step for a no-bake version.)
Let cool completely before layering.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Combine diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate. The fruit will become soft, glossy, and syrupy perfect for layering.
Step 3: Whip Up the Pudding
In a mixing bowl, whisk instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Gently fold in whipped topping for a light, mousse-like texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Jars
Now for the fun part layering!
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of shortcake crumbs into the bottom of each jar.
- Add a layer of pudding, then a layer of strawberries.
- Repeat the layers until the jar is full, finishing with pudding on top.
- Garnish with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of crumbs.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
These pudding jars are best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The pudding firms up, the strawberries release their syrup, and the crumbs soften just slightly creating that perfect bite of creamy, fruity, and buttery texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars are made for sharing they look beautiful at brunches, showers, and picnics. Serve them with mini spoons for that café-style charm.
For a fun twist, add small tags or ribbons to the jars if you’re gifting them. They make adorable party favors or edible gifts for holidays and birthdays.
Conclusion
There’s something joyful about desserts in jars they’re personal, pretty, and packed with flavor. These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars bring together creamy pudding, buttery shortcake crumbs, and juicy strawberries in perfect harmony.
From my Crete kitchen to yours, I hope these jars bring a little sunshine to your table. They’re proof that with a few simple ingredients and a touch of love, you can turn an ordinary moment into something sweet and special. 💕
💕 Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn! These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Jars are one of my go-to desserts for when I want something easy, elegant, and delicious. Layers of vanilla pudding, buttery crumbs, and fresh strawberries come together in adorable mason jars that are perfect for any occasion. They’re creamy, fruity, and simply irresistible plus, they can be made ahead of time! Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these pudding jars are guaranteed to bring a smile with every spoonful.