Cake in a Jar Recipe

Layer moist vanilla cake and fluffy buttercream in a jar for a portable, adorable Halloween treat!

100 min Serves 5 Hard American

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This cake in a jar recipe yields a portable dessert perfect for gifting or parties. Bake a simple vanilla sprinkle sheet cake, whip up a creamy buttercream, then layer them in jars with optional extras like sprinkles or cookies. The result is a cute, individual-sized treat that stays fresh and looks festive.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter or grease a 9x13 or 7x11 inch jelly roll pan, line it with parchment, then butter and flour the parchment. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.

In a large bowl, using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) with ¾ cup granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Add 2 large egg whites (room temperature) one at a time, mixing well after each. Then mix in 2 tablespoons canola oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts and ⅓ cup milk (room temperature) in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated; do not overmix.

Gently fold in ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles with a spatula.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 8-12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

For the frosting, beat 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature) in a large bowl with a stand or hand mixer for 3-4 minutes until creamy and pale yellow.

Add 1.5-2 cups powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Mix on low until crumbly, then increase speed and beat for another 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Mix in 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large tip.

Once the cake is cool, use circle cookie cutters to cut out rounds that fit your jars. Check for tapering and adjust sizes accordingly. Alternatively, break the cake into pieces for a rustic look.

Place a layer of cake in the bottom of a jar. Pipe or spoon a layer of frosting on top. Wipe the inside of the jar clean with a paper towel or cloth after each layer.

Add optional toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or caramel. Repeat layering cake, frosting, and extras until the jar is full.

Finish with a final layer of frosting and any optional toppings. Close the jar and serve, gift, or store.