Cake in a jar is a fun and creative way to enjoy individual servings of cake. Each jar is packed with moist, flavorful cake and topped with frosting, making it the perfect portable dessert. Whether it’s for a party, a gift, or a sweet treat for yourself, these jars bring a personal touch to dessert time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and so versatile. The best part is that the cake is baked right in the jar, so you don’t have to worry about cutting slices or serving it on a plate. It’s fun to decorate each jar with frosting and customize the cake to my liking. Plus, they’re great for gifting, especially when I want to bring a homemade dessert to a party or a friend. These cakes are also a hit with kids and adults alike, and the jars keep everything neat and portable. Plus, I can make a variety of flavors by simply switching the cake mix and frosting combinations!
Ingredients
1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup of frosting (any flavor)
6-8 small mason jars (or any glass jars with a lid)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the inside of the mason jars lightly with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to ensure the batter is properly prepared.
Pour the cake batter into each mason jar, filling them about halfway. Leave space for the cake to rise as it bakes.
Arrange the filled jars on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Let the cakes cool completely inside the jars.
Once the cakes have cooled, top each with frosting. You can pipe it on for a neat finish or use a spoon to spread it across the top. For an extra touch, I sometimes layer frosting and cake inside the jar for a visually appealing effect.
Place the lids on the jars and serve the cakes as individual portions.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Variations
Cake flavor: I can switch up the flavor of the cake by using different cake mixes, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti. Each flavor adds a unique twist to the final product.
Frosting flavors: I love experimenting with different frosting types. Classic buttercream works well, but cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream are great alternatives.
Mix-ins: Sometimes, I like to add a fun twist by mixing in ingredients like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit before baking the cake.
Toppings: I can get creative with the toppings! For example, I sometimes sprinkle crushed cookies or nuts on top of the frosting, or drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Once the cake is completely cool, I store the jars with the lids on in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy grab-and-go treat.
Reheating: To reheat the cake, I remove the lid and microwave the jar for 20-30 seconds. The cake stays moist, and the frosting melts slightly, which I think makes it even better!
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FAQs
Can I use a different type of jar for this recipe?
Yes! I’ve used other types of glass jars, and even small glass containers, for this recipe. Just make sure the jars are oven-safe before using them.
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making these cakes a day or two in advance, as they stay fresh in the jars. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of a party or event.
Can I freeze these cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cakes in the jars. Once they’re fully cooled, seal the jars tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the jar thaw in the fridge overnight.
Do I need to grease the inside of the jars?
I highly recommend greasing the inside of the jars, as it helps the cakes come out more easily once they’ve baked. A light spray of cooking spray or a small amount of butter will do the trick.
What if I don’t have mason jars?
If you don’t have mason jars, I’ve used other types of heatproof glass containers in the past. Just make sure the jars are oven-safe and have a tight-fitting lid to keep the cakes fresh.
Conclusion
Cake in a jar is the ultimate combination of convenience and creativity. It’s an easy way to enjoy individual portions of cake, whether I’m celebrating, gifting, or just indulging in a sweet treat. With endless variations in flavor and decoration, I can tailor each jar to my preferences or try something new each time. Plus, it’s fun and unique—definitely a recipe that will be a hit at any occasion.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Cake in a Jar
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cake in a jar is a fun and creative way to enjoy individual servings of cake. Each jar is packed with moist, flavorful cake and topped with frosting, making it the perfect portable dessert. Whether it’s for a party, a gift, or a sweet treat for yourself, these jars bring a personal touch to dessert time!
Ingredients
1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 cup of frosting (any flavor)
6–8 small mason jars (or any glass jars with a lid)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the inside of the mason jars lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to ensure the batter is properly prepared.
- Pour the cake batter into each mason jar, filling them about halfway. Leave space for the cake to rise as it bakes.
- Arrange the filled jars on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Let the cakes cool completely inside the jars.
- Once the cakes have cooled, top each with frosting. You can pipe it on for a neat finish or use a spoon to spread it across the top. For an extra touch, you can layer frosting and cake inside the jar for a visually appealing effect.
- Place the lids on the jars and serve the cakes as individual portions.
Notes
Store the jars in the refrigerator once cooled. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days.
If you plan to reheat, remove the lid and microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy a warm cake with slightly melted frosting.
This recipe is versatile, and you can switch up cake and frosting flavors or add fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
