Indulge in this scrumptious mini strawberry shortcake in a jar, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. This portable dessert is perfect for various occasions such as Mother’s Day, summer picnics, showers, potlucks, BBQs, cookouts, and spring gatherings. The individual serving size makes it ideal for packing into a picnic basket or serving at an event. Fresh strawberries take center stage in this easy recipe, which can also be enjoyed alongside whipped cream. If you’re craving more strawberry delights, consider trying mascarpone stuffed strawberries. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something different, explore funfetti cake or lemon ricotta amaretti budino recipes.
Why You’ll Love Classic Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious, look no further than individual strawberry shortcake trifles served in cup-sized vessels. Not only do they make a visually appealing presentation, but they’re also incredibly portable, making them perfect for picnics or potlucks. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to prepare, requiring just 11 ingredients and straightforward instructions that even novice bakers can follow with ease. The combination of sweet strawberries, moist cake, and fluffy whipped cream is a match made in heaven, and it’s no wonder strawberry shortcake has become a beloved classic – whether served in individual cups or traditional slices.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
To embark on this delectable journey, start by combining dry ingredients in one bowl and whisking together sugar and butter in another. Next, bring the two mixtures together to form the cake batter. Once prepared, bake the cake on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before allowing it to cool on a wire rack. Cut the cooled cake into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or similar tool.Meanwhile, prepare the strawberries by tossing them with sugar and letting them soak in lemon juice for 20 minutes. This step allows the natural sweetness of the strawberries to shine through. Assemble the dessert by layering the cake and strawberries within Weck jars or mini mason jars, topping each with a dollop of whipped cream. Feel free to add a few stray strawberries on top for added visual appeal.
Substitutions and Variations
To streamline the process and save time, consider leveraging convenient shortcuts for this mini dessert. Substitute boxed cake mix for a homemade one, and opt for angel food or pound cake varieties if desired. Additionally, utilize store-bought whipped topping or cream instead of whipping heavy cream from scratch. This will not only conserve time but also reduce the overall complexity of the recipe. When it comes to strawberries, while frozen options are available, fresh strawberries offer a superior flavor and texture. If you do happen to have leftovers, there are numerous strawberry-based recipes waiting to be explored.
Storage Instructions
Strawberry shortcakes can be served immediately after topping with whipped cream, as the cream adds a rich and creamy element to the dish. However, it’s also possible to prepare these treats in advance without the cream, as long as they are stored in the refrigerator and consumed within two days. It’s important to note that freezing strawberry shortcakes is not recommended, as the cake will become soggy and the texture of the fresh strawberries will deteriorate.
Strawberry Shortcake in Mini Mason Jars FAQs
When preparing strawberries for use, a common step is soaking them in sugar and lemon juice – a process known as maceration. This technique helps to draw out the natural juices from the berries, resulting in a sweeter and more succulent final product. Feel free to substitute or supplement the lemon juice with vanilla extract if you prefer.
Homemade whipped cream is surprisingly easy to prepare. Simply use a stand mixer or handheld electric whisk to blend heavy cream on a low setting until soft peaks form. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating sugar and/or vanilla extract into the mixture beforehand. Be sure to stop mixing before stiff peaks develop, as over-whipping can result in a grainy texture. If you find your cream has become too stiff, simply add more heavy cream and re-mix until desired consistency is achieved.
Jar Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Perfect Summer Strawberry Shortcake
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of strawberry shortcake in a jar, a perfect treat for your next summer gathering. This easy-to-prepare and transportable dessert requires just 30 minutes of prep time, 20 minutes of cooking time, and yields 8 delightful servings. A must-have for your outdoor adventures this season!
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use. Next, in the bowl of a mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. One at a time, add the eggs to the bowl, mixing just until each is fully incorporated. Now, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the sour cream. Repeat this process once more, ending with the addition of the remaining third of the flour mixture. The batter should still be slightly lumpy at this point. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly across the surface. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting it into rounds using a cup or cookie cutter. Once cooled, you can proceed with assembling the dessert.To start preparing the strawberries, combine them with sugar in a bowl. Add the lemon juice and mix until the fruit is evenly coated. Allow this mixture to sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.When it’s time to assemble the dessert, make the whipped cream using a mixer. You can add an optional 1.5-2 tablespoons of sugar to taste. To build your dessert, layer the cake rounds and strawberries into cups or jars, filling them as full as possible without overfilling. Set aside any remaining whipped cream for later use. When it’s time to serve, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream.