Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in a Mason Jar

Today I’m going to show you how to make an easy strawberry shortcake trifle in a Mason jar. It’s perfect for a dessert for a party or get-together, or just something sweet and special for your family. Plus, it’s just the right size for taking on the go! 

strawberry shortcake trifle in mason jar

Not only is this strawberry shortcake trifle a great single-size dessert, but it’s also a lighter version of the classic strawberry shortcake recipe, so you can enjoy it without feeling any guilt!

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

  • Can make in advance 
  • Single size mason jar
  • Rich, creamy, and delicious
  • Easily transportable
  • Simple ingredients
  • Lighter recipe
  • No-bake

Equipment Needed To Make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Ingredients For Your Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

  • Mini Banana Nut Muffins – (so yummy!) SECRET INGREDIENT
  • Sugar-free Vanilla Pudding Mix 
  • Reduced-Fat Milk
  • Cool Whip Lite
  • Fresh Strawberries 
  • Stevia

ingredients for strawberry shortcake trifle

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

make the pudding 

Step 1. Follow the directions to make the pudding with a whisk and mixing bowl. I used sugar-free vanilla, but you can use whatever flavor you like.

I bet cream cheese pudding would be AMAZING! 

blending ingredients for trifle

To save calories, I use reduced-fat milk but you can use whole milk, too. Refrigerate. While you are waiting for the pudding to set, move on to the next step.

milk for trifle

cut the muffins 

Step 2. Slice the banana bread muffins into cubes. They will be just the right bite-size for the mini mason jars. Experiment with muffin and pudding flavors. You can also use angel food cake for another light option.

cutting up muffins for trifle

slice the strawberries 

Step 3. Remove the strawberry stems and cut them into thin slices. For a little extra sweetness, sprinkle the strawberries with a bit of Stevia.

slicing strawberries for trifle

add food coloring 

Step 4. Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and add a drop of red food coloring. Mix well with a whisk to get a pretty pink color. This is optional but really makes a pretty presentation in the mason jars.

mixing milk and cool whip for trifle

layer the trifle in the mason jar

Step 5. Now you want to start layering the trifle. The banana nut muffins are placed in the mason jar first. Then add a layer of strawberries. 

placing strawberries and muffins in mason jar

continue layering the trifle 

Step 6. Next up, place a layer of cool whip followed by a layer of vanilla pudding.

QUICK TIP: Cool whip light will reduce the calories and sugar and still tastes great! 

adding strawberry topping to mason jar layer

ADD THE next layer until full

Step 7. Continue layering the ingredients until the mason jar is full. You don’t want to overfill the jar because you want to be able to add the lid without making a mess. 

top layer of strawberry shortcake trifle

cover and refrigerate 

Step 8. If you can hold off on eating this yummy dessert, place the lid on and refrigerate it until ready to serve. 

close up of strawberry shortcake trifle in a mason jar

easy strawberry shortcake trifle in mason jars 

Doesn’t this no-bake dessert look absolutely delicious? And, it can be enjoyed any time of year. 

finished strawberry shortcake trifle in mason jar

Serve your strawberry shortcake trifle immediately or top with a fun mason jar lid and refrigerate for up to two days!

mason jar trifle with aqua lid

This is a great alternative to having pie for dessert and it’s the perfect thing to bring along with you when you’re on the go. All of the ingredients will fit nicely into a pint or quart-sized mason jar so you can just add everything, put on the lid and take it with you.

step by step video tutorial

If you want to see the exact step-by-step process, be sure to watch this video tutorial below over on my YouTube Channel! 

mason jar trifle with aqua lid youtube thumbnail

strawberry shortcake trifle recipe variations

What flavors would you make your trifle? Here are a few I am thinking about:

  • Blueberries with cream cheese pudding and blueberry muffins 
  • Raspberries with chocolate pudding and chocolate chip muffins 
  • Apples with caramel pudding and apple cinnamon muffins

Frequently asked questions

What is strawberry shortcake cake made of?

Typically, a strawberry shortcake is made from a vanilla cake, fresh juicy strawberries, and homemade whipped cream. It’s a refreshing and light dessert that is easy to make. 
 
Often it is made with biscuits, pound cake, angel food cake or scones. 
My recipe uses banana nut muffins for a fun flavor and texture surprise!
 

How Long Will Strawberry Shortcake Trifle mason jars Last In the Fridge?

This dessert is best enjoyed within 1-2 days because the muffins will soak up the strawberry juice and become soggy. But, this is so good it probably won’t last that long!

Be sure to add a mason jar lid to your strawberry shortcake trifle to ensure the freshness of that first bite!

can the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle be frozen? 

Unfortunately no. You can freeze any leftover muffins in an airtight container, but the trifle will become soggy if frozen. 

Can I substitute fat-free cool whip in place of light cool whip?

Yes! But, I definitely recommend using the light cool whip. There is not that much of a difference in the calories, especially in the mini mason jars. Fat-free cool whip is not as light and creamy.

Other dessert recipes you’ll love

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your strawberry shortcake trifle Turned Out!

strawberry shortcake trifle pin with text

PIN FOR LATER!

strawberry shortcake trifle in mason jar

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in Mason Jars

Try this strawberry shortcake trifle in a mason jar! This recipe is simple to follow and doesn't require any baking.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • Mini Banana Nut Muffins
  • Sugar-free Vanilla Pudding
  • Reduced-Fat Milk
  • Strawberries
  • Stevia

Instructions
 

  • Make the pudding with a whisk and mixing bowl with reduced fat milk. Refrigerate.
  • Slice the banana bread muffins into cubes.
  • Remove the strawberry stems and cut them into thin slices.
  • Sprinkle the strawberries with a bit of Stevia. 
  • Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and add a drop of red food coloring. Mix well.
  • Layer the trifle with the muffins, strawberries, cool whip and pudding.
  • Continue layering the ingredients until the mason jar is full. 
  • Place the lid on and refrigerate.
Keyword easy desserts, strawberry shortcake, strawberry shortcake trifle
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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