Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love. This recipe combines the lightness of angel food cake, the freshness of strawberries, and the creaminess of whipped cream, all packed in a cute jar. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a fun treat at home.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar because they are simple and visually appealing. They are easy to transport, making them great for gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh strawberries when they are in season. This dessert is not only delicious but also offers a fun way to present a classic favorite!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

Ingredients:

1 cup cake flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups egg whites (approximately 12 eggs)
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
1 pound strawberries, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pint cold heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
10 4 oz jars or glasses

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, sift together the cake flour and salt, then set aside. In a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to high. Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar a tablespoon at a time, mixing every 30 seconds until all the sugar is mixed in. Keep beating until you see stiff peaks. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined, then add the vanilla extract. Spoon this mixture into a non-greased 12-cup bundt pan and bake for 1 hour. After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a cooling rack and allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: While the cake cools, dice the strawberries and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the strawberries sit for 10 minutes to get juicy.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup of sugar at high speed until you get stiff peaks.

Step 4: Once the cake is cool, cut it into 1-inch cubes. In each jar, start by adding a spoonful of the sweetened strawberries at the bottom, then add a few cubes of angel food cake, and follow with a spoonful of whipped cream. Keep layering until the jars are full, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Step 5: Garnish each jar with extra chopped strawberries on top. Serve immediately, or you can refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

These jars of Strawberry Shortcakes are perfect to serve as individual desserts. You can place them on a table for guests to grab, or serve them as a fun treat at a family gathering. They look pretty and are easy to eat with a spoon.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

If you have leftovers, you can store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are sealed well with a lid. Avoid storing them for too long, as the cake may become soggy with the strawberries and cream.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. You can also mix in other berries if you like.
Don’t overmix the cake batter after adding the flour. Gentle folding keeps the cake light and airy.
Try making the angel food cake ahead of time. You can bake it the day before, so it’s ready to layer the next day.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding a layer of lemon curd or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce between the layers for extra flavor. You can also use different fruits like blueberries or raspberries.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought cake instead of making it?
A1: Yes, you can! Store-bought angel food cake works well if you want to save time.

Q2: How can I make this dessert healthier?
A2: You can use less sugar in the whipped cream and substitute some of the cake with whole grains or a lower-calorie alternative.

Q3: Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and assemble them just before serving for the best texture.