Pack an entire picnic in spill proof Mason jars!
National Picnic Month is here. Can I be honest with you?
Though the idea of picnicking is wildly romantic, the reality is, well… kinda messy. You prep a bunch of foods, pack them in containers, transport them somewhere for eating, pull out the containers, remember you forgot half of the condiments and utensils, teeter a plate on your knees while trying to shovel down spoonfuls of lukewarm eats—all while swatting bees away from your plate.
Not so with this picnic!
With this No-Bake Mason Jar Picnic, you prep just what you need in shiny little mason jars. Layers of fresh ingredients made in minutes. Tightly lidded for toting. Then eaten right out of the container for the easiest picnic ever.
And, probably the most delicious picnic ever.
Yes, definitely the most delicious. Here’s how to make this Wonder Jar Picnique:
Here’s the quick and simple menu lineup:
- Mason Jar Easy Caprese
- Fro Yo Swirled Berry Cheesecake
- Strawberry-Mint-Lime Fruit Water
Every one of these recipes takes less than 15 minutes to prep and put together. Feel free to make them up to 12 hours in advance, storing in the fridge overnight for grab-and-go convenience on the day of your picnic!
Let’s get started. The first thing you’ll need is Mason jars. Here’s what we used to make perfect-fit recipes.
- 2 Collection Elite™ Pint Jars (for the Caprese)
- 2 Half Pint Jars (for the Cheesecake)
- 2 Wide-Mouthed Pint Jars (for the Fruit Water)
If you’re using your Mason jars for the first time, be sure to wash jars and lids thoroughly or in the dishwasher before filling with food. Once clean and dry, pull together all of your ingredients and prepare to picnic!
The Easy Caprese is, well, pretty easy. You’ll need 4 large heirloom tomatoes, 8-12 slices of fresh mozzarella, a large bunch of fresh basil, balsamic and olive oil.
Drizzle balsamic and olive oil into the bottom of a Collection Elite™ Pint Jar, then layer tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in the jar until it’s filled. Twist on your Mason jar lid and store in the fridge until you’re ready to pack up your picnic. Voila! The easiest picnic entrée ever!
To make the Swirled Berry Cheesecake, grab a bag of Chex™ Granola, eat a mighty handful, then blend 1 cup of the cereal together with 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and press into the bottom of two half pint Mason jars.
In a stand mixer, whip together 2 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup whipped topping, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, and 1 carton of Yoplait™ Greek 100 yogurt. Fold in 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, then spoon it all on top of your crust.
These clever little cheesecakes can be enjoyed straight out of the fridge. Better yet, they can be made up to a week in advance, and frozen to make Fro Yo Cheesecake. Whichever way you serve it, this quick-and-easy dessert is destined to become a favorite!
Now it’s time to mix up a batch of flavored fruit water (also known as “spa water”). Simply fill a pint-sized Mason jar with ice water, sliced strawberries, limes and fresh chopped mint. You’ll get this incredibly delicious tasting water, no soda needed!
With all of your goodies prepped, it’s time to pack! Pop everything inside your picnic basket. And don’t forget to tuck in everything you need to enjoy your no-bake eats. Better yet, try this: Tie plastic forks, spoons, and straws to each Mason jar with swirly twine. You’ll get an adorable looking basket, plus have everything you need when it’s time to eat!
