These Fun Cake-in-a-Jar Recipes Make It Easy to Take the Party With You!
From classic flavors to cocktail-inspired treats, we’ve got ideas to satisfy any craving
Whether you’re throwing a birthday celebration, hosting a special gathering or just craving something sweet, cakes in a jar are the fun make-and-take desserts that couldn’t be easier to put together. Simply bake a batch of cupcakes, slice them in half horizontally, then layer in canning jars with frosting, fresh fruit, pie filling, sprinkles… the possibilities are endless! All those layers ensure you get some of the creamy frosting and fillings with every bite of cake. What could be better than that?
How to make the best-ever cake in a jar
One of the best things about cakes in a jar? You can make them as easy or as elaborate as you want — whether that’s using already-made cupcakes and frosting from the store, or making everything from scratch. First for Women test kitchen director Susan Chiusano likes to keep hers simple by starting with boxed cake mix, then pairing it with super-easy homemade buttercream frosting. To do, simply beat 1 lb. of butter (at room temp.) until fluffy, then beat in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. It’s perfect as is, but you can also customize it by stirring in citrus zest, a little melted chocolate or your favorite extract—or add a drop of food coloring to really make it pop!
Cake in a jar recipes
Ready to grab a spoon and dig into a delicious cake in a jar? We’ve got wow-worthy ideas for you below that’ll have people oohing and aahing — and you’ll love how easy they are to make.
1. Apple Crumble Cupcakes in Jars
French vanilla cake, apple pie filling and cinnamon buttercream layer up for a sweet finale.
2. Pie Cupcakes in Jars
Lemon cupcakes with blueberry pie filling? Chocolate chip cupcakes with cherry? We mixed and matched ‘til we came up with the most delicious cupcake-and-pie combos.
3. Double-Decker Cupcake Cups
Everyone will love these festive cups filled with two kinds of cupcakes — red velvet and sprinkles — layered with Nutella and vanilla buttercream.
4. Caramel Apple Cupcakes in a Jar
As cute as they are delicious! We transformed the delicious flavor of caramel apples into a sweet-as-can-be treat.
5. Pastel Cupcakes in Jars
Make any occasion extra-special with pastel-pretty strawberry, lemon and vanilla cupcakes.
6. Cocktail Cupcakes in Jars
Can’t decide between a sweet and a drink? You can have ‘em both with these adorably decorated spiked cupcakes in jars — take your pick from Mudslide, Strawberry Margarita or Piña Colada flavors.
7. Watermelon Cupcakes in Jars
This clever cupcake is a sweet twist on a juicy summertime favorite that you can enjoy any time of the year.
For even more easy sweet treats, click through the links below:
Cocktail Cupcakes Are the Perfect Adults-Only Sweet Treat — 7 Fun & Easy Recipes
No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes Make It Easy to Treat Yourself — 6 Easy, Creamy Recipes
Peanut Butter Desserts Everyone Will Go Nuts Over — 8 Best-Ever Recipes
