Assumption Shortcakes Recipe
Making Assumption Shortcakes is a fun way to celebrate a special feast day with young people. The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary reminds us that Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul. This joyful event gives us hope and encourages us to trust in God’s promises. A sweet treat like this helps bring the celebration to life in a way kids can touch, taste, and enjoy.
Cooking with youth is a great way to build community. It gives them something active to do while learning about their faith. As they slice fruit and mix dough, they also get to ask questions and share stories. It’s an easy way to start conversations about Mary, heaven, and what it means to be close to Jesus. Even younger kids can take part with simple tasks like sprinkling sugar or adding toppings.
Each part of the Assumption Shortcake has a special meaning. The biscuit stands for the Earth, showing Mary’s life among us. Strawberries remind us of her sorrow as she watched Jesus suffer. Blueberries are her traditional color, showing her purity and humility.
Whipped cream looks like clouds, reminding us of her being taken into heaven. Mini chocolate chips point to the sweetness of heaven, and yellow sprinkles are like a crown, showing she is the Queen of Heaven. Together, the dessert becomes a fun way to remember Mary’s faith and her place with God.
Tasting the Joy of Heaven
This recipe can help young people think about heaven in a simple and joyful way. The Assumption teaches us that heaven is not far away. Mary was taken there, body and soul. This shows us that our bodies matter and that God wants to bring us fully into His joy. A sweet dessert like this shortcake helps us remember that heaven is not dry or dull—it is full of joy, color, and celebration.
Not only is it a fun and creative group activity, but each element of the dessert carries a symbolic representation of the feast, making it an even more meaningful treat.
- Biscuit – The Earth: Just as the biscuit forms the foundation of the shortcake, representing the Earth, it reminds us of the mortal existence that Mary shared with all of humanity. Her life on Earth was filled with love, devotion, and the challenges that come with being human.
- Strawberries – Mary’s Suffering: The red strawberries symbolize the suffering Mary bore in her heart throughout her life, witnessing the trials of her beloved son, Jesus, on his journey to save humanity. Despite her pain, she remained steadfast in her faith and love.
- Blueberries – Mary’s Color: Mary is often associated with the color blue, which is reflected in the blueberries atop the shortcakes. This color is a reminder of her purity, humility, and her role as the heavenly mother.
- Whipped Cream – The Clouds: Whipped cream adorns the shortcakes like fluffy clouds, representing the ascension of Mary into Heaven, where she now resides with God.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – The Sweetness of Heaven: These tiny chocolate chips represent the sweet rewards of Heaven. Just as life in Heaven is believed to be joyful and blissful, the chocolate chips add a touch of delight to the dessert.
- Yellow Sprinkles – Mary’s Crown: Yellow sprinkles serve as a regal crown atop the shortcakes, symbolizing Mary’s position as the Queen of Heaven.
You can also talk about Mary’s role as our mother. She points us to Jesus and teaches us to say yes to God like she did. While making the shortcakes, leaders can share short stories about Mary’s faith and trust. It’s a chance to talk about how we can say yes in our own lives, even in small things like helping others or choosing kindness.
Assumption Shortcakes Recipe
Equipment and Materials
- Cutting board
- Knife (child-safe if needed)
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheet
- Oven mitts
- Can opener (if needed for whipped topping)
Ingredients
- 1/2 quart strawberries
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (for fruit)
- 2 1/3 cups biscuit mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for biscuit dough)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
- Canned whipped cream or tub of whipped topping
- Mini chocolate chips
- Yellow sprinkles
1. Setup Instructions
- Wash hands before starting.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash strawberries and blueberries in cold water.
- Slice strawberries on the cutting board.
- Melt the butter and set it aside.
- Lightly clear a space for baking and gathering ingredients.
2. Recipe Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries, blueberries, and 1/4 cup sugar. Set aside to let the juices form.
- In another bowl, stir together biscuit mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix gently until the dough holds together. Do not overmix.
- Drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, forming six even mounds.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Let the shortcakes cool for 10 minutes.
- Once cool, cut each shortcake in half sideways.
- Spoon some of the berry mixture onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
- Place the tops back on.
- Add more fruit on top, followed by whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and yellow sprinkles.
Notes and Tips
- Adults should handle hot pans and knives.
- Use plastic or butter knives for younger children.
- Try other fruits like raspberries or peaches if allergies are a concern.
- You can use gluten-free biscuit mix if needed.
- Talk with the group about the meaning of the colors and toppings while decorating.
This recipe works best in a group where everyone has a job. Sharing the work helps build teamwork and joy.
Assumption Shortcakes Lesson
Mary’s Journey to Heaven Is Sweet
Age Group: Grades 3–5
Time Needed: 60 minutes
Best Settings: Religious Education, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Vacation Bible School, Youth Ministry, Family Faith Events
Supplies Needed:
- Bible or children’s Bible
- Picture of the Assumption
- Paper crowns
- Markers or crayons
- Paper plates
- Napkins
- Assumption Shortcakes (made during or before the lesson)
Lesson Plan
1. Welcome and Prayer (5 minutes)
Gather the children.
Say a short prayer asking Mary to help us learn about her and follow Jesus.
2. Scripture Story (10 minutes)
Show a picture of the Assumption.
Read Luke 1:46–55 or tell the story in simple words.
Explain that Mary was taken to heaven, body and soul, because she loved and trusted God.
3. Group Talk (10 minutes)
Ask questions like:
- What do you think heaven is like?
- How did Mary show love to Jesus?
- How can we say yes to God like Mary?
4. Crown Craft (15 minutes)
Give each child a paper crown.
Let them decorate it with drawings or words about Mary and heaven.
Say: “Mary is the Queen of Heaven. We wear crowns to remember that.”
5. Shortcake Snack and Symbols (15 minutes)
Pass out the shortcakes on paper plates.
While eating, talk about the meaning of each part (biscuit, fruit, toppings).
Say: “Each part helps us remember something about Mary and her journey to heaven.”
6. Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)
Thank God for Mary and for heaven.
Say a Hail Mary together.
Clean up as a group.
Extra Tip:
If you cannot bake on-site, prepare the shortcakes ahead of time and let the kids decorate their own with toppings.
Resources
More Youth Ministry Activities
Looking for more fun ways to teach kids about their faith? Visit our youth ministry activities page. You’ll find games, crafts, lessons, and prayer ideas made just for children and teens. These help young people grow closer to Jesus in a fun and friendly way.
Whether you’re planning a parish event, a classroom lesson, or a small group gathering, there’s something for every setting. Check out our youth ministry activities page to find simple ideas that bring faith to life.
Questions and Answers about the Assumption Shortcakes Recipe
Can I make the shortcakes ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the shortcakes earlier in the day. Store them in an airtight container. Add the fruit and toppings right before serving.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but fresh fruit works best. If you use frozen fruit, let it thaw first and drain any extra juice.
What if I don’t have biscuit mix?
You can make your own using flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. Or use store-bought shortcakes or biscuits as a shortcut.
Can younger kids help with this recipe?
Yes. Younger children can wash fruit, stir ingredients, and decorate the shortcakes. Adults should handle knives and hot items.
What do the colors and toppings mean?
Biscuit: Symbolizes the Earth, representing Mary’s mortal existence and her connection with humanity.
Strawberries: Represent the suffering Mary bore in her heart while witnessing the trials of her son, Jesus, during his earthly life.
Blueberries: Reflect Mary’s color, blue, and symbolize her purity, humility, and heavenly motherhood.
Whipped Cream: Represents the clouds and signifies Mary’s ascension into Heaven.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Symbolize the sweetness and joy of life in Heaven.
Yellow Sprinkles: Serve as Mary’s crown, highlighting her role as the Queen of Heaven.
Sweet Celebration for the Queen of Heaven
Assumption Shortcakes are a fun and meaningful way to help kids learn about the Blessed Virgin Mary. This recipe ties into the Solemnity of the Assumption, when Mary was taken to heaven, body and soul. It reminds us that heaven is joyful and full of hope. The bright colors and sweet taste help children connect faith to everyday things.
The recipe is simple and great for groups. Kids work together to mix, bake, and decorate. It’s hands-on, fun, and full of chances to talk about faith. While they bake, you can share how Mary said “yes” to God and how she leads us to Jesus.
This activity fits many settings—classrooms, youth groups, or family events. It helps kids grow in faith while learning to serve, share, and celebrate. Making Assumption Shortcakes brings people together and makes a special feast day even sweeter.
Your Turn
We hope you try making Assumption Shortcakes with your group or family. It’s a great way to celebrate Mary while having fun in the kitchen. Kids will enjoy helping, and the recipe is easy enough for all ages.
If you try it, let us know! Share your own twists or tips in the comments. Did you use a different fruit? Add a special prayer? We’d love to hear how you made this activity your own. Let’s inspire each other with sweet ideas.
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