Looking for a cute, fun, and downright delicious dessert that also makes a perfect present? This cake in a jar recipe is your answer. It’s a layered cake baked, assembled, and served in a simple mason jar, making it the ideal sweet treat for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or just because! Easy to personalize, budget-friendly, and mess-free, this treat is more than just eye candy, it’s joy in a jar.
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What is Cake in a Jar?
Have you ever unwrapped a birthday gift and found… cake? No? Well, get ready to change that. The cake in a jar recipe is exactly what it sounds like: cake (plus frosting and toppings) layered inside a jar. It sounds like a Pinterest dream come true, because it is.
But why the jar? Legend has it a home baker once wanted to mail a slice of cake without it turning into a disaster, so she packed it tightly in a jar, and boom! A viral idea was born. Plus, as they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dessert just happens to travel well. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and surprise your besties, coworkers, or your sweet tooth, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Cake in a Jar Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this sweet little treat, but here are the top three reasons you need this cake in a jar recipe in your life:
- It’s showstoppingly cute and delicious: Layers of moist cake and rich frosting stacked in a jar make for a picture-perfect dessert that’s also fun to eat.
- Budget-friendly baking at its best: Skip the overpriced bakery gifts and make these at home using basic pantry ingredients—your wallet (and your guests) will thank you.
- Toppings and twists galore: From sprinkles and chocolate chips to berries and edible glitter, each jar is a customizable dessert dream.
Loved our light and fluffy Chantilly Lili layered cake recipe? This portable version takes the flavor and fun to a whole new level. Ready to wow someone? Try it out today!
Key Ingredients for Cake in a Jar
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the ultimate cake in a jar:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: strawberries, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies
You’ll also need 6 to 8 clean 8-ounce mason jars with lids.
Pro tip: Stick to wide-mouth jars for easy layering!
How to Make Cake in a Jar Recipe
One of the best parts of this cake in a jar recipe is how simple and quick it is. You’ll have dessert ready in under an hour—with only 10 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of baking, and a few minutes of assembling. It’s a fun and stress-free baking project that delivers big flavor in a small package.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Pour batter into the cake pan and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into small cubes or circles (you can use a cookie cutter to fit the jar).
- Layer your jars: Add a layer of cake, then a layer of frosting, and repeat until the jar is full. Top with sprinkles, berries, or crushed cookies.
- Seal with lids and refrigerate until ready to serve or gift.
What to Serve Cake in a Jar With
While this recipe stands on its own as a star dessert, you can pair it with:
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- Fresh lemonade or iced coffee
- Light finger foods like tea sandwiches or fruit skewers
For more baking ideas that pair well with this treat, check out our full collection of easy baking recipes for any occasion.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cake in a Jar
Want to level up your dessert game? Here are some expert tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients to get the fluffiest cake texture.
- Don’t overfill the jars—leave about ½ inch of space at the top so the lids fit properly.
- Get creative with flavors: Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, lemon cake with raspberry jam, or even red velvet with cream cheese frosting.
- Add color and texture with mix-ins like rainbow sprinkles, shredded coconut, or caramel drizzle.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These cakes are as practical as they are pretty. Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Keep sealed jars in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Skip the toppings and freeze jars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- To reheat: If you’d like to enjoy it warm, remove the lid and microwave for 10–15 seconds. Be sure your jar is microwave-safe!
They also make great make-ahead desserts—just assemble the night before your event, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s unique, giftable, and ridiculously cute, this cake in a jar recipe is the way to go. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, fun to customize, and guaranteed to make someone’s day a little sweeter.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or planning a thoughtful gift, cake in a jar is always a good idea. Now go grab those mason jars and get baking!
Want more delightful ideas like this? Read our latest posts on our recipe blog on Medium or browse our Pinterest collection for birthday-ready sweets.
FAQs
Can I use box cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a vanilla or chocolate box mix works great.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter. Use a dairy-free frosting as well.
How many jars does this recipe make?
You’ll get about 6–8 jars depending on how full you layer them and the size of your jars.
Do I need to sterilize the jars?
Not unless you’re preserving them for weeks. A hot soapy wash and full drying is perfect for short-term use.
Cake in a Jar Recipe for Birthday or Best Gifts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 jars 1x
Description
A cute, fun, and downright delicious dessert layered in a mason jar—perfect for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or just because!
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: strawberries, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies
- 6 to 8 clean 8-ounce mason jars with lids
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Pour batter into the cake pan and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into small cubes or circles.
- Layer your jars: Add a layer of cake, then a layer of frosting, and repeat until the jar is full. Top with sprinkles, berries, or crushed cookies.
- Seal with lids and refrigerate until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
Stick to wide-mouth jars for easy layering and serving. Customize toppings for any occasion or theme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Happy Baking