Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Jars: Layered Dessert Recipe

For quick prep use a boxed golden cake mix, or swap in pound cake, angel food cake, or a homemade sponge cake if you have one on hand. The boxed mix is a handy shortcut—the layers of strawberries and pudding do all the flavor work, so most people won’t notice the difference.

If you prefer other base cakes, pound cake or shortbread both work well and add a slightly different texture. For a biscuit-style shortcake, try a Bisquick or air-fryer version and cube the warm biscuit for the jars.

Why This Recipe Works

These individual parfaits are designed for easy serving and minimal mess. Each jar holds a ready-to-serve portion with all components layered, eliminating slicing or plating at the party.

Jars are great for transport and storage—add lids and pack them in a cooler for picnics or potlucks. They’re also kid-friendly to assemble and make a cheerful presentation for guests.

Recipe Ingredients

• Golden cake mix: A boxed mix keeps this quick, but pound cake, angel food cake, or homemade white/sponge cake are good alternatives.
• Instant vanilla pudding: Makes a creamy layer. Vanilla is classic, but cheesecake or lemon pudding are tasty variations.
• Cool Whip or whipped cream: Use store-bought topping or make homemade whipped cream by beating 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form. Greek or vanilla yogurt can also be used for a lighter option.
• Fresh strawberries: Hull and slice, then toss with granulated sugar and let sit to release juices for a syrupy, shortcake-like layer. Blueberries or raspberries can be substituted for a mixed-berry version.

A complete ingredient list with measurements appears in the printable recipe card below.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare the golden cake mix according to package directions, combining eggs, milk, and oil as instructed.

2. Pour batter into two 8-inch pans and bake 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

3. Hull and slice strawberries, toss with granulated sugar, and let sit at least 30 minutes to macerate and release their juices.

4. Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, then refrigerate to finish setting.

5. Remove cooled cakes from pans. Freeze one cake for another day if desired, and cut the other into 1-inch cubes.

6. Place a layer of cake cubes in the bottom of each jar.

7. Spoon macerated strawberries (including some of the juices) over the cake layer for flavor and moisture.

8. Add a layer of set vanilla pudding on top of the strawberries.

9. Top with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream for a light finish.

10. Garnish each jar with a fresh strawberry and a mint sprig if desired. A light sprinkle of crushed cookies or graham crackers adds extra crunch.

Variations

• Strawberry Cheesecake Parfait: Swap vanilla pudding for cheesecake-flavored pudding and add a thin layer of crushed graham crackers.
• Lemon Strawberry Parfait: Use lemon pudding and stir a touch of lemon zest into the cake batter for a bright citrus note.
• Cookie Crunch: Layer in crushed Golden Oreos, shortbread, or granola for texture.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate between layers and add a spoonful of strawberry jam or sauce for extra sweetness.
• Alternate Containers: Serve in clear plastic dessert cups, wine glasses, or a large trifle bowl instead of jars when hosting larger groups.

Storing and Serving Tips

• Store: Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days.
• Make Ahead: Bake cake and prepare pudding up to one day ahead; assemble closer to serving for best texture.
• Transport: Seal jars and pack in a cooler with ice packs for picnics or potlucks—the jars protect the layers and keep the dessert chilled.

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; after that, the cake will absorb more juice and become softer.

Yes. Small dessert cups, clear plastic cups, wine glasses, or a large trifle bowl all work well.

Absolutely. Layer the same components in a trifle dish or large glass bowl for a dessert to feed a crowd.

Try homemade pudding, pastry cream, cheesecake pudding, or a stabilized whipped cream mixture as alternatives.

Assemble shortly before serving and avoid adding excessive strawberry juice to each layer unless you prefer a softer shortcake texture.

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

Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits in a Jar

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be exact.