This whimsical and utterly charming recipe for Cake in a Jar transforms a simple boxed cake mix into delightful individual desserts. Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a sweet treat, these jarred cakes are easy to make, beautifully portable, and undeniably fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor; I love vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet!)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of frosting (any flavor; go wild and match or contrast with your cake!)
- 6-8 small mason jars (or any glass jars with lids, approximately 8-12 oz size)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the jars
Preparation:
Before you even get started, take a moment to savor the possibilities! Consider themes, flavor pairings, and the joy of sharing these little treasures.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and prevents the jars from cracking due to drastic temperature changes.
- Step 2: Generously grease the inside of each mason jar with cooking spray or butter. Pay special attention to the bottom and sides. This step is crucial for preventing the cakes from sticking and ensuring easy removal (if you choose to eat them directly from the jar).
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) for best results, mixing on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the cake batter into each mason jar, filling them about halfway. This is important! You need to leave space for the cake to rise as it bakes. Overfilling the jars will result in overflow and a messy oven. A good rule of thumb is to fill them no more than 2/3 full.
- Step 5: Arrange the filled jars on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the oven, and it also helps to catch any potential spills.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the jars. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cakes. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), they’re ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
- Step 7: Let the cakes cool completely inside the jars. This is essential. Handling the hot jars can be dangerous, and the cakes need to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Step 8: Once the cakes have cooled, top each with frosting. This is where you can get creative! You can pipe the frosting on using a piping bag and tip for a neat and elegant finish, or you can simply use a spoon to spread it across the top for a more rustic look.
- Step 9: For an extra touch (and added deliciousness), consider layering frosting and cake inside the jar. To do this, you can gently crumble some of the cake and alternate layers of cake and frosting until the jar is full. This creates a visually appealing and texturally interesting dessert.
- Step 10: Place the lids on the jars and serve the cakes as individual portions. These jarred cakes are perfect for grab-and-go treats, picnics, parties, or even as edible gifts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s Easy: Using a boxed cake mix cuts down on prep time, making this a perfect recipe for busy bakers.
- It’s Customizable: The flavor combinations are endless! Experiment with different cake and frosting flavors, add mix-ins, or create themed cakes for holidays or special occasions.
- It’s Portable: The jars make these cakes incredibly easy to transport and serve. No plates or utensils required!
- It’s Adorable: Let’s be honest, these jarred cakes are just plain cute. They’re sure to impress your friends and family.
- Great for portion control: Individual jars are perfect for controlling your portions.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Tie a ribbon around each jar for a festive touch.
- Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit to the top of the frosting.
- Decorate the jars with stickers or labels.
- Create a themed cake display for parties or events.
- Layer the cake and frosting with fresh berries for a beautiful and delicious treat.
Tips:
- Don’t overfill the jars, as the cake will rise during baking.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the jarred cakes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- Get creative with your frosting flavors and decorations.
- If you are baking with kids, let them decorate the jars or help with layering the cake and frosting.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk or buttermilk for the water in the cake mix.
- To prevent the jars from cracking, avoid placing them directly on a cold surface after baking.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information (approximate, per jar):
- Calories: 350-450 (depending on cake and frosting)
- Protein: 3-5g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Conclusion:
Cake in a Jar is a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert. With its endless possibilities for customization and its charming presentation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. So, gather your jars, your favorite cake mix, and let the baking adventures begin!
Q&A:
- Q: Can I use different sized jars?
- A: Absolutely! Just be aware that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the jars. Smaller jars will bake faster, while larger jars may require a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can! In fact, they are often better after they’ve chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Q: Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix?
- A: Definitely! If you prefer to use a homemade cake batter, simply substitute it for the boxed mix in the recipe. Just make sure the batter is of a similar consistency to the boxed mix batter.
- Q: Can I add mix-ins to the cake batter?
- A: Yes, you can add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or fruit to the cake batter. Just be sure not to add too many, as this can affect the baking time and texture of the cake. About 1/2 cup of mix-ins per batch of batter is a good starting point.
- Q: Can I freeze these jarred cakes?
- A: While technically you can freeze them, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the cake and frosting can change upon thawing, and the jars themselves might be at risk of cracking. If you must freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled and tightly sealed before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
