A delightful and whimsical dessert perfect for kids and adults alike, these Cookie Monster Cake Jars are layers of moist blue vanilla cake, creamy buttercream frosting, crushed chocolate chip cookies, and edible cookie dough bites. Easy to assemble and utterly delicious, they’re a fun twist on classic cake that’s perfect for parties or a special treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – typically eggs, oil, and water)
- Blue food coloring
- 1 cup mini chocolate chip cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup edible cookie dough bites (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Mini cookies for garnish
Preparation:
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- Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Follow the specific measurements and instructions provided on the box for the best results.
- Step 2: Add Blue Food Coloring: Add blue food coloring to the cake batter until you achieve a vibrant Cookie Monster blue color. Start with a few drops and mix well, adding more until you reach your desired shade. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Step 3: Bake the Cake: Pour the blue-colored batter into a greased and floured cake pan (or cupcake liners). Bake according to the package instructions. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Step 4: Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before handling. Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to ensure it cools evenly.
- Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it is light and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Add blue food coloring to the buttercream to match the cake color, mixing until evenly colored.
- Step 6: Crumble the Cake: Crumble the cooled blue cake into large, bite-sized chunks. This will make it easier to layer the cake in the jars.
- Step 7: Assemble the Cake Jars: In clean jars or cups (4-8 oz size recommended), begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of crumbled blue cake, followed by a spoonful of blue buttercream frosting. Add a layer of crushed mini chocolate chip cookies and a few edible cookie dough bites. Repeat these layers until the jars are filled to the top.
- Step 8: Garnish and Chill: Top the final layer with a swirl of blue buttercream frosting. Garnish with a mini cookie and a sprinkle of blue sprinkles, if desired. Chill the assembled cake jars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fun and Festive: These cake jars are visually appealing and perfect for celebrations.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the ingredients and decorations to suit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These jars can be prepared a day or two in advance, making them ideal for parties.
- Perfect Portion Size: Individual jars make serving and portion control a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly: The Cookie Monster theme and delicious flavors are sure to be a hit with kids.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- Include a small spoon with each jar for easy eating.
- Arrange the jars on a decorative tray for an eye-catching presentation.
Tips:
- For a quicker version, use store-bought frosting and pre-made cookie dough bites.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of blue.
- If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Get creative with your layering – there’s no wrong way to assemble these jars!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and chilling)
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: Approximately 520 per jar
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
Conclusion:
Cookie Monster Cake Jars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist blue cake, creamy buttercream, and delicious cookie mix-ins, these jars are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party or a fun family treat, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the whimsical charm and irresistible flavors of these adorable cake jars!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can definitely use a different flavor of cake mix! Chocolate, strawberry, or even funfetti would work well. Just adjust the food coloring accordingly to match your desired theme.
- Can I make these cake jars ahead of time? Absolutely! These cake jars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent the cake from drying out.
- What if I can’t find edible cookie dough bites? If you can’t find edible cookie dough bites, you can either make your own or substitute them with another type of candy or cookie. Mini chocolate chips, chopped Oreos, or even pieces of fudge would be delicious alternatives.
- Can I use a piping bag to frost the tops of the jars? Yes, using a piping bag with a decorative tip can make the tops of the jars look extra fancy! Simply fill the piping bag with the blue buttercream frosting and create a swirl or rosette on top of each jar.
- How do I store the cake jars? Store the assembled cake jars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you have leftover cake or frosting, store them separately in the refrigerator.
