Cake in a Jar Recipe

Cake in a Jar Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the joy of homemade cake with the convenience of portability. These charming desserts are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. The beauty of cake in a jar lies in its endless customization potential, allowing you to create unique flavors and decorations that suit your taste. Plus, they make wonderful gifts that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Portable Delight: Enjoy your favorite cake without the mess. Each jar holds a perfect serving!
• Customizable: Personalize each jar with different flavors, colors, and toppings to suit any event.
• Great for Gifting: These jars make thoughtful gifts for friends and family, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Fun Presentation: Layering the cake in jars creates an appealing visual that enhances any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cake in a Jar Recipe successfully, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jars
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jars: Not only do they store your cake beautifully, but they also allow for easy transportation.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures smooth batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides and folding ingredients without deflating your batter.

Ingredients

Cake in a Jar or Mason Jar Cakes are a fun, portable, and customizable dessert, perfect for gifts, parties, and holidays!

For the Cake Base

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbs cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 tbs canola oil
• ⅓ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

• 1 stick unsalted butter (omit added salt if using salted butter)
• 1.5-2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
• Pinch salt

How to Make Cake in a Jar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mason Jars

Grease your mason jars lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking when it’s time to remove the cakes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Salt
4. Baking powder

Stir these dry ingredients until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter-sugar mixture, add:
1. Egg whites
2. Canola oil
3. Milk
4. Vanilla

Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles for added color and fun!

Step 8: Fill Jars

Spoon batter into prepared mason jars, filling them about halfway full to allow room for rising.

Step 9: Bake

Place filled jars on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove jars from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 11: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Powdered sugar
3. Vanilla
4. Milk or cream

Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Step 12: Frost the Cakes

Once cooled, pipe or spread frosting onto each cake layer inside the jars as desired.

Now you have delightful Cake in a Jar ready to serve! Enjoy your creation at gatherings or gift them as sweet surprises!

How to Serve Cake in a Jar Recipe

Serving Cake in a Jar is not only delightful but also adds a touch of creativity to your dessert presentation. These portable treats are perfect for various occasions, allowing everyone to enjoy their cake without the fuss.

For Birthdays

• Personalized Jars: Decorate each jar with the birthday person’s favorite colors or themes.
• Birthday Candles: Place a small candle on top of the whipped frosting for a festive touch.

At Picnics

• Portable Delight: Pack jars securely in a cooler for easy transportation.
• Mix and Match Flavors: Offer different flavors in separate jars to cater to diverse tastes.

For Gifts

• Thoughtful Treats: Fill jars with different cake flavors and tie them with ribbon for a charming gift.
• Custom Labels: Create personalized labels with the recipient’s name and a special message.

During Holidays

• Festive Decorations: Use seasonal decorations on the jars, like twine or holiday-themed stickers.
• Layered Flavors: Incorporate holiday flavors such as pumpkin or peppermint between layers of cake.

How to Perfect Cake in a Jar Recipe

To elevate your Cake in a Jar experience, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and fresh eggs for better flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the jars for at least an hour before serving; chilled cake improves texture.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate layers of cake and frosting evenly for beautiful presentation.
• Seal Properly: Make sure jars are tightly sealed to maintain freshness if not consumed immediately.

Best Side Dishes for Cake in a Jar Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Cake in a Jar can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing complement that balances sweetness.
2. Whipped Cream: Serve alongside for extra creaminess; it’s simple and indulgent.
3. Ice Cream Scoops: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream offers delightful contrast to the soft cake.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over the top for added richness and flavor enhancement.
5. Nutty Granola: Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts with soft cake layers.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs beautifully, enhancing flavor profiles and providing comfort.
7. Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses that can complement sweet flavors without overpowering them.

These side dishes will not only enhance your Cake in a Jar but also create memorable pairings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cake in a Jar Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use precise measurements to ensure your cake has the right texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven batter. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.

• Neglecting to preheat the oven: If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cake may not rise properly. Preheat it for at least 15 minutes before baking.

• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. This helps prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cakes in jars with lids for up to 5 days.
• Keep them in a cool part of the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cake in a Jar Recipe

• Freeze jars without lids or with loose lids for up to 2 months.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating Cake in a Jar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm jars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual jars for about 20-30 seconds. Check if warm; add more time if necessary.
• Stovetop: Place jars in a pot with water, cover, and simmer on low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Cake in a Jar Recipe that might help you get started.

Can I customize my Cake in a Jar Recipe?

Yes! You can add different flavors like chocolate or lemon zest, or substitute sprinkles with nuts or dried fruit for variety.

How do I decorate my Cake in a Jar?

Use frosting on top and add sprinkles or edible flowers. A cute ribbon around the jar adds an extra touch if you’re gifting them!

What size jars should I use for this Cake in a Jar Recipe?

Standard pint-sized mason jars work well, but you can use smaller jars for mini versions as well!

How long does this Cake in a Jar last?

When stored correctly, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

The Cake in a Jar Recipe is not only fun but also versatile. You can customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a gift or a party treat, these delightful cakes are sure to please everyone’s sweet tooth!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cake in a Jar

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately four servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Cake in a Jar, a charming and portable dessert that combines the joy of homemade cake with the convenience of individual servings. Perfect for celebrations, gifts, or just a sweet treat at home, these layered cakes can be customized to fit any occasion. With endless flavor possibilities, vibrant decorations, and a fun presentation, Cake in a Jar is sure to impress friends and family alike. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these jarred delights are not just delicious; they also bring creativity and whimsy to your dessert table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbs cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 tbs canola oil
• ⅓ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease mason jars lightly with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
4. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
5. Add egg whites, canola oil, milk, and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in rainbow sprinkles gently.
8. Spoon batter into prepared jars, filling them halfway.
9. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Allow jars to cool completely before frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg