If you love mini dessert recipes, this Strawberry Shortcake in mini mason jars is perfect for you! I simply use a box of French Vanilla shortcake mix that bakes in just 18 minutes!
This treat is topped with slightly sweetened fresh strawberries and layered with a silky smooth cream cheese whipped topping. This dessert is light, fresh, and lovely for any occasion, no matter the season.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Shortcake
This easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that can be served in mini mason jars or as a layered cake, combines the sweetness of strawberries, the fluffiness of cake, and the richness of cream cheese whipped topping. It’s a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed all year round!
Strawberry Shortcake Base
For the shortcake base, boxed cake mix works wonders. To enhance the texture, I added an extra egg and a small box of cheesecake pudding mix, which gives the cake a spongy, light texture for soaking up the sweet juices from the fresh strawberries. I used a French Vanilla cake mix, but a Classic White cake mix works just as well. Subbing in a boxed mix fits my schedule these days, and it's just as delicious as a homemade shortcake base.
- French Vanilla Cake Mix (or Classic White)
- Eggs
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Cheesecake pudding mix (instant)
Fresh Strawberry Filling Layer
For the strawberry layer, slice up a few containers of fresh strawberries and add a bit of sugar to draw out their natural juices. A squeeze of fresh lemon will balance the sweetness. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to create a lovely strawberry syrup, perfect for layering and topping your shortcakes. You can also save any leftovers to drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt, or freeze it in small bags for smoothies. Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste, or substitute with honey or your preferred sweetener.
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar
- Lemon zest
Cream Cheese Whipped Filling & Topping
To give the strawberry shortcake a smooth, creamy texture, I use a stabilized whipped topping. This type of topping is designed to hold its shape for longer, making it ideal for both filling and piping. In fact,iIt’s created by thickening whipped cream with ingredients like gelatin or cream cheese, so it stays firm and doesn’t wilt.
For the best results, use a stand mixer to whip together the cream cheese and whipped topping to ensure it’s smooth and lump-free. Additionally, be sure to refrigerate the whipped topping until you're ready to serve, to maintain the freshest, most stable texture.
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
Serving Strawberry Shortcakes in Mini Mason Jars
Mini mason or jelly jars (8 oz) are a fun and cute way to serve this strawberry shortcake recipe in individual portions, adding a rustic touch the dessert. You can also prepare these ahead of time for a convenient and beautiful display. However, serving in little jars is completely optional! For a different presentation, you can also serve the strawberry shortcake in small bowls or glasses.
Alternatively, for a more traditional approach, I've also baked the cake in a pan, frosted it with the whipped topping, and layered it with fresh strawberries for a stunning, classic layered cake. To finish, I garnished each serving with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprig of mint for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Fresh mint leaves
- Strawberries (sliced in half)
Assembling Mini Strawberry Shortcakes in Mason Jars
Filling the mason jars is the fun part! To start, once the cake has cooled completely, cut it into pieces that will fit into your mason jars. If you’re using a shallow pan, the cake will be thinner and easier to cut into smaller pieces, but if you’re using a larger cake pan, simply slice the cake into squares or rectangles to fit the jars. Spoon the cake pieces into the bottom of each jar and gently press them down to create an even layer.
Next, add about 2-3 spoonfuls of the sweetened strawberry filling into each jar, ensuring the strawberries cover the cake. For a more polished look, consider using a piping bag to neatly pipe the whipped topping on top of the strawberries. If you don’t have a piping bag, no worries! A spoon works just as well, just scoop the whipped topping and spread it evenly.
You can create multiple layers of cake, strawberries, and whipped topping, depending on the size of your jars. Aim for 2-3 layers for a nicely balanced dessert.
Mini Mason Jar Garnish and Presentation Ideas
For the finishing touch, add a strawberry slice and a sprig of mint on top as a garnish. This extra pop of color and freshness will make the jars look even more inviting! You can also tie a ribbon around the jar for a festive, personal touch, if desired.
Why Mini Desserts Are Perfect for Any Event
I like to serve mini desserts at events for many reasons. First of all, they provide the perfect balance of indulgence and moderation, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of treats. Their small size also makes them easy to manage while mingling, without extra utensils or mess. Plus, each mini dessert is individually portioned, making them perfect for personalized servings.
Mini desserts are visually appealing, adding a fun and sophisticated touch to any occasion. Whether casual or formal, they can be customized to fit any theme, offering guests a chance to savor different flavors in a single, bite-sized serving. Their portability makes them ideal for parties, picnics, or events where convenience and style matter.
More Bite-Sized Delights
If you're a fan of bite-sized treats, explore some of my other mini desserts and appetizers that are perfect for any occasion. From sweet to savory, these small servings offer a delightful variety of flavors and are ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a fun treat. Here are a few more options you might enjoy!
Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel on Top
Appetizer Bites: Buffalo Chicken Cups
Adapted from the original recipe by Sara Kennedy.
Strawberry Shortcake in Mini Mason Jars
Equipment
Ingredients
Shortcake Base
- 1 box French Vanilla Cake Mix or Classic White
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 box cheesecake pudding mix 3.4 oz, instant
Strawberry Filling
- 2 containers strawberries, fresh about 2 lbs
- ½ cup sugar (or less) to taste
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
Cream Cheese Whipped Filling & Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese cold
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Garnish
- fresh mint leaves
- strawberries sliced in half
Instructions
Shortcake Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a half sheet cake pan (jelly roll pan) by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with non-stick baking spray. Alternatively, you can use two quarter sheet pans, see note below.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and cheesecake pudding mix. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat on medium-high for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the batter is light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the pan you’re using. A shallow jelly roll pan will bake quicker. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick - when it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.
Strawberry Filling
- Chop the fresh strawberries into roughly ½-inch pieces. Set aside a handful for garnish.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined, then set aside to allow the sugar to draw out the natural juices.
Cream Cheese Whipped Filling & Topping
- Using the whisk attachment of a stand or hand mixer, whip the cold cream cheese until smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Slowly add the heavy cream in three portions, whipping on medium to medium-high speed until fully incorporated to avoid lumps.
- Once the cream is incorporated and soft peaks form, add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Refrigerate the whipped topping until ready to assemble.
Assembly
- Cut the cooled cake into pieces that will fit into your mason jars. Spoon the cake into the bottom of each jar.
- Add a layer of strawberry filling (with some of the juice), followed by a layer of whipped topping. Using a piping bag makes it easier to pipe the whipped topping neatly.
- For layered shortcakes, repeat with another layer of cake, strawberries, and whipped topping.
- Top each jar with a slice or two of strawberry and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.
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