Description
Delight in these easy and charming Strawberry Shortcake Jars, perfectly layered with juicy fresh strawberries, fluffy shortcake or sponge cake, and creamy whipped cream or mascarpone. Ideal for quick desserts, portion control, and versatile presentations, this recipe offers a fresh, fruity twist on a classic favorite with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh ripe strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
Cake
- 2 cups shortcake or sponge cake, cut into cubes or rounds
Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or mascarpone
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them evenly. Toss with a little sugar and let them macerate for about 10 minutes to release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup that will soak into the cake.
- Cut the Cake: Slice your shortcake or sponge cake into cubes or rounds small enough to fit neatly into your jars. These pieces will absorb the strawberry juices and keep each bite moist and flavorful.
- Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Alternatively, mix mascarpone with a touch of vanilla and sugar for a richer filling. This fluffy cream is a perfect counterbalance to the sweet fruit and cakey base.
- Assemble the Jars: Begin layering in each jar: a spoonful of cake, a layer of macerated strawberries with juice, then a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the jar is nearly full, finishing with a generous swirl of cream and a strawberry on top for garnish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the jars for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the textures soften perfectly. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries at peak ripeness for the brightest flavor and color.
- Whip cream gently to soft peaks to keep it airy and light.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every bite has cake, fruit, and cream.
- Choose a sturdier shortcake for a firmer texture or sponge cake for a lighter feel, based on preference.
- Prepare and assemble jars a few hours in advance for flavors to meld; add topping cream just before serving if making much ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, dessert jars, layered dessert, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, easy dessert, portable dessert