If you’re searching for an utterly delightful and customizable dessert, Cake in a Jar deserves a permanent spot on your treat list! Imagine all the joy and flavor of a classic cake, neatly tucked into a charming mason jar—a little portable celebration in every scoop. Not only are these jars fun to assemble and perfect for gifting, but they also let you mix and match cake and frosting flavors, toppings, and even portion sizes. Cake in a Jar takes dessert to a whole new level of convenience and whimsy, making every event or craving a reason to celebrate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cake in a Jar is its simplicity: each ingredient brings something important to the table, from color and texture to that indulgent cake flavor. With just a short list, you can whip up a playful, crowd-pleasing dessert in no time!

Box Cake Mix: The backbone of this dessert, box cake mix provides a soft, fluffy base and comes in countless flavors to suit your mood.
Eggs, Oil, Water: Vital add-ins from your cake mix box, these make sure your cake bakes up moist and tender.
Frosting (1 1/2 cups): Store-bought or homemade, frosting adds creamy richness and beautiful layers—choose flavors that complement your cake.
Optional Sprinkles, Fruit, Crushed Cookies: Toppings add a pop of color, extra crunch, or bursts of freshness to your Cake in a Jar—let your creativity shine!
6–8 Small Mason or Dessert Jars (4-ounce): These adorable jars serve as the perfect vessel for assembling and serving individual portions.

How to Make Cake in a Jar

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on your cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions, combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan or standard cupcake tins for a quicker bake. Pop it in the oven and bake as directed, then let the cake cool completely so the layers won’t melt the frosting.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake

Once the cake is cool to the touch, use clean hands or a fork to gently crumble it into a large bowl. The goal is to create bite-sized, fluffy cake pieces—avoid mashing it too finely so you still get texture in your Cake in a Jar.

Step 3: Layer the Cake and Frosting

Now for the fun part! Drop a tablespoon or two of cake crumbles into the bottom of each small jar. Spoon or pipe on a layer of frosting, using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a cut corner if you want those beautiful, even layers. Continue alternating cake and frosting until you reach the top, making sure to finish with a flourish of frosting.

Step 4: Add Toppings

This is your invitation to get creative! Sprinkle on rainbow sprinkles for a playful look, add a layer of sliced fruit for a burst of freshness, or crumble cookies on top for extra crunch. However you choose to top your Cake in a Jar, each one is unique and filled with personality.

Step 5: Seal and Chill

If you’re prepping these for a party or as gifts, simply screw on the lids and pop the jars into the fridge. The flavors will meld and you’ll be rewarded with a cool, refreshing dessert later on. Serve your Cake in a Jar chilled or let it warm to room temperature for an ultra-soft bite.

How to Serve Cake in a Jar

Garnishes

Give your Cake in a Jar a pop of personality with colorful sprinkles, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a mini cookie on top. Not only do garnishes make your jars Instagram-worthy, but they also add lovely textures and flavors.

Side Dishes

While Cake in a Jar shines all on its own, you can round out your dessert spread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a mug of hot chocolate or coffee. It’s a dreamy addition to any dessert table or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your jars with pretty ribbons, custom tags, or little wooden spoons tied to the side, transforming each Cake in a Jar into a thoughtful party favor or picnic surprise. You can also tuck them into gift baskets or line them up on a dessert bar for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cake in a Jar will keep fresh and moist in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the jars are tightly sealed to prevent dryness and to keep those gorgeous layers perfectly intact—ideal for snacking whenever a sweet craving strikes!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze your assembled Cake in a Jar (without fresh fruit garnishes) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving so the texture remains as fluffy and delightful as the day you made them.

Reheating

Cake in a Jar is delicious enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you like a warm bite, simply remove any decorations and microwave the jar (make sure it’s microwave-safe!) for just 10 to 15 seconds. This revives the cake and softens the frosting for pure homemade comfort.

FAQs

Can Cake in a Jar be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just choose a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your frosting and toppings are gluten-free as well. All the fun, none of the gluten.

How far ahead can I assemble Cake in a Jar?

You can assemble your Cake in a Jar up to three days in advance. Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and ready to eat whenever you need them.

What types of frosting work best?

Both store-bought and homemade frostings are fantastic. Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even chocolate ganache can pair beautifully with your chosen cake flavor.

Can I use different jar sizes?

Yes! You can use mini 2-ounce jars for bite-sized treats or larger 8-ounce jars for a heartier dessert. Adjust your layering amounts accordingly for the perfect presentation.

Is Cake in a Jar good for kids’ parties?

Kids adore personalized desserts, and Cake in a Jar not only looks adorable but is easy to eat, easy to transport, and fun to customize—making it a winning choice for birthdays and celebrations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for an effortless, joyful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Cake in a Jar just might be your new favorite. Grab your jars, unleash your imagination, and let every spoonful remind you why the little things (and little cakes!) make life sweetest.

Cake in a Jar Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6–8 jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful treat of Cake in a Jar with layers of moist cake, creamy frosting, and optional toppings, perfect for gifting or enjoying at parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box cake mix (any flavor)
Ingredients listed on box (eggs, oil, water)

Frosting:

1 1/2 cups frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Additional for Layering:

Optional sprinkles, fruit, or crushed cookies
6–8 small (4-ounce) mason jars or dessert jars

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Instructions

Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter as directed and bake in a 9×13-inch pan or as cupcakes. Let cool.
Crumb and Layer: Crumble the cake and layer cake, frosting, and optional toppings in jars.
Seal and Serve: Seal jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.