These easy and delicious strawberry shortcake parfaits in a jar layer moist golden cake, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping in a convenient jar. These portable desserts are perfect for picnics, parties, and summer road trips.
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Why You’ll Love It
- 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.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Golden Cake Mix: I used a box of golden cake mix to save time. You can also use homemade cake if you prefer.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding: This adds a creamy layer to the parfaits.
- Cool Whip: You can use Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced strawberries tossed with sugar add the perfect flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits in a Jar
For more detailed instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card.
Prepare 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.
Prepare the Layers
- Step 3: Combine hulled, sliced strawberries in a bowl with granulated sugar. Macerate the strawberries for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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 refrigerator to fully set.
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 small cubes.
- Step 6: Place some cake cubes in the bottom of each 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!
Substitutions and Variations
- Cake: Use pound cake, angel food cake, or homemade sponge cake.
- Pudding: Swap vanilla pudding for lemon, cheesecake, or white chocolate pudding.
- Fruit: Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry parfait.
- More Layers: Add layers of crushed graham crackers or Golden Oreo cookies, granola, strawberry jam, or a drizzle of white chocolate or caramel sauce.
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
- Store: You can store assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake and pudding layers up to a day ahead. For best results, assemble the parfaits just before serving.
Top Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Cool the cake completely before assembling the parfaits to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- Layer neatly; try to create even layers and avoid smearing the pudding on the sides of the jars.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits FAQs
For the best texture, assemble the parfaits no more than a few hours before serving. You can prepare the cake and pudding a couple of days ahead and store them separately and assemble just before serving.
You can use clear plastic cups or dessert glasses if you don’t have jars.
Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a large trifle bowl instead of individual jars for a family-style dessert.
Seal the jars with their lids and keep them chilled in a cooler with ice packs until ready to serve.
You can use homemade vanilla custard or pastry cream.
More Easy Dessert Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake with Bisquick
- Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
- Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cream Cheese Muffins
- Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
- Strawberry Cheesecake Snack Bars
- No-Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Panera Lemon Drop Cookies
- Dulce de Leche Mousse
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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
Prepare 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 Layers
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let the strawberries macerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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.
Assemble the Parfaits
- 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 small cubes.
- In each jar, layer as follows: 1. Add a layer of cake cubes to the bottom.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.5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of fresh mint.
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Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake and pudding a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble the parfaits just before serving.
- Jar Alternative: If you don’t have jars, clear plastic cups or dessert glasses work just as well.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping.
- Storage: If you have leftover cake cubes, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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