Cake in a Jar Recipe

Cake in a Jar Recipe is a delightful and portable dessert that combines the joy of cake with the convenience of jars. Perfect for gifts, parties, or special occasions, these Mason jar cakes are customizable and visually appealing. With layers of moist cake and fluffy frosting, each jar offers a unique experience, making them an excellent treat for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for beginner bakers!
• Portable Delight: Cake in a jar can be taken anywhere – picnics, road trips, or as a lunchbox treat.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to mix and match flavors by adding fruits, nuts, or different sprinkles.
• Great for Gifting: These cute jars make wonderful personalized gifts for any occasion.
• Fun Presentation: The layered look in a jar is visually appealing and adds a unique touch to your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Cake in a Jar Recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jars (or small glass jars)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jars: Not only do they hold your cake beautifully, but they also keep it fresh.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when whipping butter and sugar together for frosting.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Jars

Wash and dry your Mason jars thoroughly. This prevents any water from affecting your cake texture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

To the creamed mixture, add:
1. Egg whites,
2. Canola oil,
3. Milk,
4. Vanilla extract.

Mix until well blended.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 7: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles into the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cakes

Spoon the batter into prepared jars, filling each about halfway full. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting While Cakes Cool

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

Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake in a Jar

Let the cakes cool completely before assembling:
1. Layer cake pieces followed by frosting in each jar.
2. Repeat layers until you reach the top of each jar.
3. Finish with extra sprinkles on top for decoration.

Enjoy your delightful Cake in a Jar Recipe!

How to Serve Cake in a Jar Recipe

Serving Cake in a Jar is an exciting way to enjoy this delightful dessert. The jars not only make for a visually appealing presentation but also allow for easy transport and sharing at events.

Individual Treats

• Perfect for parties or gatherings, each jar serves as a single portion, making it easy for guests to indulge without any mess.

Gift Giving

• Decorate the jars with ribbons or labels for a personal touch. Cake in a Jar makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for birthdays or holidays.

Family Treat Night

• Create a DIY dessert evening with family by allowing everyone to customize their jars with different toppings and flavors.

Picnic Delight

• Take these portable cakes on picnics! They are easy to pack and can be enjoyed anywhere without the worry of spilling.

How to Perfect Cake in a Jar Recipe

Achieving the perfect Cake in a Jar requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your jar cake experience.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter that bakes evenly.

• Layer wisely: Alternate layers of cake and frosting in the jar for beautiful visual appeal and balanced flavors. Consider adding fruits or other fillings between the layers.

• Don’t overfill: Leave some space at the top of each jar. This allows for expansion during baking and prevents messy overflow.

• Customize flavors: Experiment with different extracts or zest (like lemon or orange) to add unique flavors that suit your taste preferences.

• Seal tightly: If you plan on storing your jars, ensure they are sealed properly to maintain freshness. Use airtight lids if possible.

Best Side Dishes for Cake in a Jar Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Cake in a Jar can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options you can consider serving alongside.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cake while providing a delightful contrast in texture.

3. Whipped Coconut Cream: A lighter alternative to traditional whipped cream; it adds fluffiness without overpowering the cake’s flavor.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats provide an elegant touch and pair perfectly with cake flavors.

5. Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola serves as both an accompaniment and topping, adding texture along with nutty flavors.

6. Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of espresso enhances the dessert experience by balancing sweetness and providing an enjoyable contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cake in a Jar recipe, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your dessert. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

• Overmixing the batter: This can create a tough cake. Mix until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

• Skipping the cooling time: Filling jars with hot cake can cause condensation, making the cake soggy. Allow the layers to cool completely before assembling.

• Neglecting jar preparation: Not greasing or lining jars can make it hard to remove the cake later. Always prepare your jars before adding the batter.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store jars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odor absorption.

Freezing Cake in a Jar Recipe

• Wrap each jar tightly with plastic wrap before freezing.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label jars with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Cake in a Jar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm jars for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place jars in a pot of simmering water for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring water doesn’t enter the jars.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is a Cake in a Jar Recipe?

A Cake in a Jar recipe is a fun way to serve cake layered in jars, perfect for gifts or parties. It allows for easy transport and customization.

Can I customize my Cake in a Jar Recipe?

Absolutely! You can change flavors by adding different extracts or fillings, such as fruit purees or chocolate chips, based on your preference.

How long does Cake in a Jar last?

When refrigerated, Cake in a Jar will last up to 5 days. If frozen, they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Is this Cake in a Jar Recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe is simple and fun, making it great for kids who want to help with baking or enjoy personalized treats.

Final Thoughts

This Cake in a Jar recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various flavors, fillings, and toppings, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them or serving at parties, these delightful jars are sure to impress!