Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Mason

There's something magical about taking a beloved classic and transforming it into something even more delightful. Our Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in Mason Jars does exactly that—capturing all the nostalgic charm of traditional strawberry shortcake while adding a modern, portable twist. Each transparent jar reveals beautiful layers of golden buttery shortcake, ruby-red macerated strawberries glistening with their natural juices, and clouds of freshly whipped cream. Whether you're planning a summer picnic, hosting a garden party, or simply want to bring a smile to your family's faces, these individual trifles deliver both stunning presentation and irresistible flavor in every spoonful.

Save

The beauty of this dessert lies not just in its appearance, but in the harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The tender, buttery shortcake provides a soft foundation that soaks up the sweet strawberry juices, while the fresh berries offer a bright, fruity contrast. The whipped cream adds a luxurious lightness that brings everything together. Making these trifles from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and quality of each layer, resulting in a dessert that's far superior to anything store-bought. Plus, the mason jars make cleanup a breeze and double as charming serving vessels that guests will love.

Ingredients

• Shortcake: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 6 tbsp (85 g) cold unsalted butter (cubed), 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Strawberry Layer: 1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Whipped Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold), 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Shortcake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla just until combined—do not overmix. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet to form 6–8 shortcakes. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden. Cool completely, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

Prepare Strawberries

In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate and release juices.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Trifles

In 6 clean mason jars (8 oz / 240 ml), layer cubes of shortcake, followed by a layer of strawberries with their juices, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers once more, finishing with whipped cream on top. Garnish with a few strawberry slices or a sprig of mint if desired.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfect shortcake is keeping your butter cold and avoiding overmixing the dough. Cold butter creates those delicious flaky pockets, while gentle mixing ensures a tender crumb. When cutting the shortcake into cubes, make sure it's completely cooled to prevent crumbling. For the strawberries, macerating them with sugar and lemon juice is essential—this process draws out their natural juices and creates a sweet syrup that soaks into the shortcake layers. Don't skip the chilling step for your mixing bowl and cream before whipping; cold equipment helps the cream reach perfect peaks faster and maintain its structure longer. When assembling, work gently but confidently, using a spoon to press the shortcake cubes lightly into the jars so they absorb the strawberry juices without becoming soggy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For convenience, substitute homemade shortcake with store-bought pound cake or angel food cake—simply cube it and you're ready to layer. Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the strawberries for an elegant adult twist that enhances the berry flavor beautifully. For a dairy-free version, use coconut whipped cream and a dairy-free cake base; coconut cream whips up surprisingly well when properly chilled. You can also experiment with mixed berries—try adding blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries for a more complex flavor profile. For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate between the layers, or fold crushed cookies into the whipped cream for added texture and sweetness.

Serviervorschläge

These mason jar trifles are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving occasions. They're perfect for outdoor summer gatherings like picnics, barbecues, and pool parties where individual portions are ideal. The jars can be transported easily in a cooler, and guests can enjoy them without needing plates or forks if you provide long spoons. For more formal occasions, arrange the jars on a tiered stand or decorative tray for an impressive dessert display. Consider garnishing each jar with a fresh mint sprig, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a small edible flower for extra elegance. These trifles also make thoughtful gifts—seal them with decorative lids and ribbon, then deliver them to friends or neighbors. Serve them slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor, and if you've refrigerated them for the full 2 hours, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully bloom.

Save

This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in Mason Jars proves that sometimes the best innovations come from reimagining the classics. Each jar is a complete dessert experience—capturing the essence of summertime in layers of sweetness and nostalgia. The combination of homemade shortcake, fresh seasonal strawberries, and billowy whipped cream creates a dessert that's both comforting and impressive. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, these trifles offer the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. So gather your mason jars, pick up some fresh strawberries, and create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. These individual trifles aren't just dessert—they're little jars of happiness, ready to brighten any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the shortcake moist in the jars?

Layer strawberries with their juices between the shortcake cubes to add moisture and natural sweetness, preventing dryness.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, assemble the trifles and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving for best texture and freshness.

→ What are good substitutions for the shortcake?

Store-bought pound cake or angel food cake can be used as easy alternatives without compromising flavor.

→ How can I make a dairy-free version?

Swap heavy cream for coconut whipped cream and use a dairy-free cake base to adapt for dietary needs.

→ What adds extra flavor to the strawberry layer?

A splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur mixed with the strawberries enhances the fruit’s natural brightness and complexity.