These easy strawberry shortcake parfaits in a jar come together with just a few simple ingredients and are ready in under an hour. They're layered with soft golden cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for summer picnics, parties, or a quick make-ahead dessert!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
You can make these strawberry parfaits with a simple box of cake mix for an easy shortcut. However, if you have the time, I would recommend making this Classic White Cake Recipe or this French Pear Cake instead of a cake mix.
Not in the mood for cake? These dessert jars are just as tasty when served with this Shortbread Recipe.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Jars
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Delicious: The combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, and fresh strawberries is irresistible.
- Perfect for Parties: These parfaits are impressive and easy to serve.
Recipe Ingredients
- Golden Cake Mix: I used a box of golden cake mix to save time. You can also use pound cake, angel food cake, or homemade sponge cake.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding: Creates the creamy, custard-like layer. You can also use lemon, cheesecake, or white chocolate pudding.
- Cool Whip: You can use store-bought Cool Whip or make homemade whipped cream. To make it, beat 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream with 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetener. You can also use Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced strawberries tossed with sugar add the perfect flavor. You can also use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry parfait.
A full list with measurements is in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits in a Jar
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the golden cake mix according to the directions by combining it with eggs, milk, and oil.
- Step 2: Pour the batter into two 8-inch baking pans and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries and Pudding
- Step 3: Combine hulled, sliced strawberries in a bowl with granulated sugar. Macerate the strawberries for at least 30 minutes, to release their juices.
- Step 4: Combine a small box of instant vanilla pudding and cold milk in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer or whisk until the pudding thickens. Place in the fridge to fully set.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits
- Step 5: Remove the cooled cake from the cake pans. Place one in a large freezer bag and freeze for another day. Cut the remaining cake into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 6: Place some cake cubes in the bottom of each mason jar.
- Step 7: Add a layer of strawberries on top of the cake cubes.
- Step 8: Add a layer of vanilla pudding on top.
- Step 9: Top with a layer of Cool Whip or whipped cream.
- Step 10: Finish by garnishing with a fresh strawberry and adding a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!
Variations
Strawberry Cheesecake Parfait: Swap vanilla pudding for cheesecake pudding and add crushed graham crackers.
Lemon-Berry Parfait: Use lemon pudding instead of vanilla and add lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon curd.
Cookie Crunch: Add layers of crushed Golden Oreos, shortbread cookies, or even granola.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate and easy strawberry sauce or low-sugar strawberry jam between layers.
Storing and Serving Tips
- Store: Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake and prepare the pudding up to a day ahead. Assemble parfaits shortly before serving for the best texture.
- Transporting: Seal jars and pack them in a cooler with ice packs if taking them to a party or picnic.
Recipe FAQs
For the best texture, assemble a few hours before serving. Cake and pudding can be made 1-2 days ahead.
Yes! Clear cups, dessert glasses, or even a wine glass work great if you don't have jars.
Absolutely. Layer everything in a trifle bowl for a family-style dessert.
You can use homemade vanilla custard or pastry cream.
Secure lids on the jars and keep them chilled in a cooler until serving.
More Easy Dessert Recipes To Try
Did you love this recipe?
Then please leave a 5-star rating and/or review below! You can also save it! Just tap the heart symbol ❤️ in the lower right corner of your screen, and the recipe will be stored in your own recipe box!📥
Printable Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits in a Jar
Ingredients
- 1 box golden cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Prepare the golden cake mix according to the package instructions by combining it with eggs, milk, and oil. Pour the batter into two 8-inch baking pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake completely.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Make the Pudding: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Use an electric mixer or whisk until the pudding thickens. Refrigerate to fully set.
- Prepare the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pans. Place one cake in a large freezer bag and freeze for another day. Cut the remaining cake into 1-inch cubes.
- Assemble the Parfaits: 1. Add a layer of cake cubes to the bottom of each jar.2. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries over the cake.3. Add a layer of vanilla pudding on top of the strawberries.4. Top with a layer of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.
- Garnish: Top with a whole strawberry and mint if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and I'll send the recipe straight to your inbox! Plus, you'll get new recipes from me each week!
Notes
- Cake Substitutions: Use pound cake, angel food cake, or homemade white cake.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, beat 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream with 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to layer your parfaits.
- Flavor Variations: Try cheesecake or lemon pudding, or add layers of crushed cookies or granola.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the cake and pudding up to 1 day ahead; assemble them just before serving.
- Storage: Keep covered parfaits in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Party Tip: These parfaits travel perfectly in jars with lids-ideal for picnics or summer potlucks.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Comments
No Comments