Cake in a Jar

by scoochmaroo

269K45099

Intro: Cake in a Jar

These tiny delights make the perfect gifts for any occasion. Make up a batch to keep on hand for sudden cravings, give as favors for your next party, or send to loved ones overseas. The cakes will remain moist and delicious for up to 6 months! What better way to show someone you care than a personalized cake in a jar!

Check out this amazing story about a 36-year-old government issue cake, and soldier who ate it!

For more info on cute jarred treats (and how I prepared the jars), see Pie in a Jar!

STEP 1: Ingredients

To speed things along, I used a boxed cake mix. Everyone agreed it tasted like a boxed cake mix. I was ok with that for the purpose of illustrating the technique (no need to make this two instructables worth of instructions!) but will definitely go from scratch next time.

So find your favorite cake mix and supporting ingredients, or make it from scratch. The best part about making your own is that you can make half of one kind and half of another!

You'll also need a bunch of canning jars - straight sides, wide mouthed. I got the wee-est ones I could find for cuteness' sake. You can definitely make them in bigger jars.

Boil or wash the jars to sterilize them. You'll want brand-spanking-new lids to make a tight seal when you're done.


The box mix made enough batter to fill 16-20 jars!

STEP 2: Make Cake Batter

Make the batter according to the directions on the box.

Or look here for some inspiration to make your own!

Fill the jars about half-way with batter. If you fill them too full, you can always squish them down, or cut the tops off. But too much batter will result in them flowing over the sides of the jars.

Place in a baking dish for ease of handling.

STEP 3: Bake Tiny Cakes

Bake according to directions for cupcakes, and check for doneness. These are about cupcake size, but your jars may be larger and need more time.

When they're done, close the lids on 'em. They're self-sealing, and you'll be able to see the seal forming!

Alternatively, you can add a chocolate ganache* to the top before sealing. Make sure to screw those caps on while the cakes are still hot though, to get that all-important seal.

* To make ganache: Heat 1 cup cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over 9oz chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over cake.

STEP 4: Store or Enjoy. Do Both!

This is one little beauty I popped onto a plate - but no need, they're easy to eat right out of the jar!

Once you've sealed these little treats, lable and date them. Then you're ready to serve, ship, or store.
Enjoy!


UPDATE:
According to user precision: "We've been doing these for years, they are great! I've got some right now that are over 6 months old, and I wouldn't hesitate to eat them."

98 Comments

Dc1577 5 years ago

Questions re: botulism, salmonella: if you’re adding only the dry ingredients, & person receiving this as a gift, adds the eggs & wet ingredients & bakes it, no chance of food borne illnesses. If making all the cake batter & baking it in the jars, again, unless you lick the beaters, there’s no chance of food borne illnesses.

sabu.dawdy 11 years ago

i was wondering to make ganache.. can we use these chocolates

WildStars13 14 years ago

do you think this would work with a normal bread recipe? We don't eat bread very quickly. It seems like every time I buy a loaf we eat half of it and the other half sits around until it molds. This would be the perfect amount to go with soups.

chorak 12 years ago

No, you can't do this with a regular bread recipe. Only quick breads like zucchini or banana nut or kinds like that. I think something about the yeast in regular bread makes it so you can't do it in a jar like this.

scatron 12 years ago

I just ran across this site as per a friends suggestion for cake in a jar for my brother who is in Afghanistan. Could you Chorak, or someone else please share with me a banana nut bread recipe or pumpkin bread that would work like the cake in a car so that I may make some up to send to my brother. Thanks!

scoochmaroo 11 years ago

Try this one, if it's not too late! https://www.instructables.com/id/Best-Pumpkin-Bread-Recipe/

katiebegood 11 years ago

Actually I've read articles about making yeast rolls in a canning jar. Just make sure to grease the sides and then put a piece of dough in the jar to fill about half.

asmith-9 13 years ago

Or keep a bread bag, turn inside out and rinse - allow to dry on the dish rack. Next time you buy a loaf, take half out and pop it in the used bread bag and pop it in the freezer. Put the other half in the fridge. Keep one bread bag spare for the next loaf you buy.

Gamer4Fire 13 years ago

Try keeping your bread in the fridge instead of the counter, it will last longer. Much longer.

Sariamore 11 years ago

I was wanting to know if you can jar pineapple upside down cake? My aunt wants me to send her some in the mail. I have done regular cakes. Awesome! Does anyone know if you can jar this type of cake?

scoochmaroo 11 years ago

You can certainly send her the cake in a jar, but it is not shelf stable for any longer than any other baked good, so make sure she eats it up!

Priestess 12 years ago

SchBells and mikivanmom;

Actually you are supposed to grease the jar's or the cake will stick and it won't come out right. (Meaning it won't taste right) The part that touches the jars could be burned or dried out.

Then you just wasted so much time and effort. You would have to redue it again.

racheal1 12 years ago

Can I use regular jars. Canning Jars are very hard to come by, and very expensive to buy over the net (I am not in the USA). Jars that I use for making jams should be suitable as well, yes?

platinum15 12 years ago

Do they have to be special kinds of jars? Because I'm afraid the glass might melt or crack or something if i don't use the right kind.

Batness 12 years ago

Yes; make sure they are heat-resistant glass (some glass will tell you up to what temp. they can take). This 'Ible says to use canning jars, which *USUALLY* work great.

omgitsarhino 14 years ago

how long do they usually last? I mean like food perishes quickly but does it last when its canned?

tecneeq 14 years ago

I would say, if done right, the cake should be good for years. Maybe it makes sense to bake the lid with the cake to sterilize it? Putting it on the jar without closing it might do the trick.
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