Description
A delightful Berry Shortcake in a Jar recipe featuring mixed macerated berries, light crescent roll shortcake layers, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for an easy, elegant dessert served in individual mason jars.
Ingredients
Berries and Maceration
- ¾ cup blueberries
- ¾ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup raspberries
- ¾ cup blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from about ½ lime)
Shortcake
- 1 crescent dough sheet (8 oz sheet)
Topping
- 2 cups whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: Wash all the berries thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, then combine all berries in a bowl. Sprinkle granulated sugar and fresh lime juice over them to begin macerating.
- Macerate the Berries: Stir the berries well to coat them evenly with sugar and lime juice, then let them sit uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to help them release their juices and become sweet and flavorful.
- Preheat the Oven: While the berries macerate, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them each with parchment paper, then set aside.
- Cut the Crescent Dough: Roll out the crescent roll dough sheet flat. Using a 2 to 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 9 circles from the dough evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Place one parchment-lined baking sheet on the counter, then arrange the crescent dough circles on it evenly. Place the second parchment paper sheet over the dough circles and then the second baking sheet on top to gently weigh them down, preventing the dough from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the Shortcake Layers: Bake the layered setup in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the dough circles are lightly golden on top. Remove and allow to cool completely before assembly.
- Assemble in Mason Jars: Lay out three 8-ounce wide-mouth mason jars. Start by layering one shortcake circle at the bottom of each jar, then add a spoonful of the macerated berry mixture, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process of shortcake, berries, and whipped cream approximately 3 times to fill each jar, finishing with whipped cream topped with a few fresh berries and optional mint leaves for garnish.
- Serving and Storage: For optimal texture and freshness, serve these shortcake jars within a few hours. They can be refrigerated with lids for 2 to 3 days or frozen for a few months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying a cold, creamy dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Weighing down the crescent dough circles during baking prevents puffing and creates a flatter, biscuit-like shortcake layer.
- You can substitute whipped cream with stabilized whipped cream to hold shape longer if preparing ahead.
- Store assembled jars in the refrigerator with lids on to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the jars is an option for longer storage, but texture may change slightly after thawing.
- Optional fresh mint garnish adds a refreshing aroma and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American