Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe: A Delicious and Fun Twist on Traditional Easter Desserts

Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and easy dessert to bring to your Easter celebration, look no further than the Easter Cake in a Jar Recipe. This adorable dessert is not only delicious but also portable, making it perfect for picnics, brunches, or as a fun treat for kids.

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making this scrumptious Easter dessert, including key ingredients, their roles, preparation time, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, creative twists, pro tips for customization, and frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in the Easter Cake in a Jar Recipe plays a specific role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Cake Base Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for the cake. It helps the cake rise and provides a soft texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake base.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cake and balances out the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cake. It also helps in creating a moist texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping the cake to stay tender.

Frosting Ingredients

Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the frosting and gives it a tangy flavor, which pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture for the frosting.

Decorations (Optional)

Easter-themed Sprinkles: Adds color and fun to the jars. You can find sprinkles shaped like bunnies, eggs, and flowers to fit the Easter theme.
Mini Easter Eggs: These small, colorful candies add a festive touch and a bit of crunch.
Edible Flowers: Use as a garnish to make the dessert look elegant and spring-like.
Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy texture on top for a finishing touch.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients of Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

For Decoration:

Easter-themed sprinkles
Mini Easter eggs or jelly beans
Whipped cream (optional)
Edible flowers (optional)

Step-by-Step “Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe” Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until smooth.
Add vanilla and cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Easter Cake in a Jar

Cut the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut it into small rounds that will fit into your jars.
Layer the jars: Take small mason jars or glass jars and start by placing a layer of cake at the bottom. Gently press it down to make sure it’s firm.
Add frosting: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. Use a spoon or piping bag to spread it evenly.
Repeat the layers: Continue layering the cake and frosting until you fill the jar. Leave a little space at the top for decoration.
Decorate: Add sprinkles, mini Easter eggs, and whipped cream to the top for a festive finish. You can also use edible flowers for a more elegant touch.
Chill: Refrigerate the jars for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips for the Best Easter Cake in a Jar

Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cake. Mix until just combined.
Bake the cake properly: Make sure the cake is fully baked before removing it from the oven. A toothpick should come out clean from the center.
Chill the jars: Allow the jars to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the layers and enhance the flavor.

Presentation Tips

Use clear jars: Mason jars or small glass jars showcase the colorful layers of the cake and frosting beautifully.
Add colorful sprinkles: Bright sprinkles add a cheerful touch to the Easter theme.
Top with fresh fruit: Use fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to add color and freshness to your jars.
Personalize each jar: You can tie a ribbon around the jar or add a small Easter tag for a personalized touch.
Serve in individual portions: The jars are the perfect individual serving size, making them ideal for sharing at Easter gatherings.

Creative Twists

Carrot Cake in a Jar: For a twist on the traditional Easter cake, substitute the plain cake with carrot cake. This adds a rich flavor and pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting.
Lemon Cake in a Jar: Add a fresh, zesty flavor by making the cake with lemon zest and juice. It adds a refreshing touch to the dessert.
Chocolate Cake: For chocolate lovers, make the cake with cocoa powder to create a rich, decadent chocolate base.
Gluten-Free: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a surprise filling: In between the layers of cake and frosting, add a surprise filling such as strawberry jam, lemon curd, or a spoonful of fruit preserves.

Pro Tips for Customization

Use different flavored frostings: You can switch up the frosting flavors by adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or other extracts like almond or mint to match the flavor of your cake.
Add toppings: Customize the topping by adding coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers, or even chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Make them dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make this dessert suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
Color the frosting: For a fun Easter touch, tint your frosting pastel colors like pink, yellow, or blue using food coloring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easter Cake in a Jar recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before serving. Just make sure to keep the jars sealed to maintain freshness.

How long can I store Easter Cake in a Jar?

These cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze Easter Cake in a Jar?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the layers in the fridge overnight, then assemble with fresh frosting.

Can I use a different frosting for this recipe?

Yes, you can use whipped cream, chocolate frosting, or even a fruit-flavored frosting to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

The Easter Cake in a Jar Recipe is a creative, fun, and delicious way to celebrate the season. This dessert combines soft cake, creamy frosting, and vibrant decorations to make a beautiful and tasty treat.

Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, picnic, or Easter brunch, these jarred desserts are sure to be a hit. Try out different twists and creative ideas to make your Easter dessert unique and personalized. Happy baking!