Description
Cake Jars are a delightful and visually appealing dessert that combines moist homemade cake, creamy frosting, and layers of fruits, chocolate, and crushed cookies. Perfect for parties or a fun treat, these individual jars allow for creative layering and personalized garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
For Layering:
- Fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, or bananas)
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles
- Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos or graham crackers)
- Caramel or chocolate sauce
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined to incorporate flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add Flavor to Frosting: Mix in vanilla extract and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Crumble Cake: Once completely cooled, crumble the cake into small pieces suitable for layering in jars.
- Assemble the Jars: Layer the cake crumbles with frosting, fruits, chocolate chips or sprinkles, crushed cookies, and sauces as desired in individual jars.
- Add Garnishes: Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate shavings to add visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Serve or Store: Serve the jars immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy, keeping the layers fresh.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier cake option.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling to avoid soggy layers.
- Customize the layers with your favorite fruits and toppings for variety.
- Refrigerate the assembled jars if not serving immediately to maintain freshness.
