Sealing a cake in a jar, also known as cake in a jar, is a fun and creative way to serve individual desserts. The cake batter is baked directly in the jar, resulting in a moist, delicious miniature cake that can be decorated and customized in many ways. Cake in a jar has become a popular trend due to its convenience, visually appealing presentation, and the endless flavor possibilities. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly seal a cake in a jar.
Benefits of Cake in a Jar
There are many advantages to baking cake in a jar:
- Portion control – Cakes in jars are the perfect single-serve size.
- Easy transport – The jars are easy to grab and go.
- Mess containment – Baking in a jar contains drips and spills.
- Customization – Each jar can have unique decorations and flavors.
- Gift giving – Jars make great gifts for any occasion.
- No baking pans needed – Jars act as their own pan.
Choosing the Right Jar
The first step is selecting the right jar. You’ll want to use a jar with an opening wide enough to easily fit a spoon or spatula for eating the cake out of the jar. A 16 oz or 8 oz mason jar works well. Make sure it is oven-safe and has no cracks. Also ensure the lid is in good condition and can create an airtight seal. Avoid using a jar with a sharp, narrow rim as this can make it hard to eat the cake from the jar.
Other Jar Options
While mason jars are the most popular choice, you can get creative with different types of jars, such as:
- Canning jars
- Spaghetti sauce jars
- Jam or jelly jars
- Single serve yogurt containers
- Glass food storage containers
The key things to look for are oven-safe materials, adequate size, and ability to seal tightly.
Choosing a Cake Recipe
When choosing a cake recipe to bake in a jar, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Moisture – The cake needs to be moist to counteract the dry heat of the jar.
- Leavening – You need an adequate leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda to help the cake rise in the jar.
- Fat – Include butter or oil to keep the cake tender and add moisture.
- Texture – Avoid big chunks or pieces that won’t bake evenly or be hard to eat from the jar.
Some good cake options include:
- Chocolate cake
- Spice cake
- Yellow or white cake
- Carrot cake
- Red velvet cake
- Pumpkin cake
Stay away from cakes with fresh fruit or custard fillings as these ingredients can make the cake soggy. Stick with batter-based cakes for best results.
Adapting Recipes for Jars
If adapting your own cake recipe, you may need to:
- Add 2-4 extra tablespoons of liquid.
- Reduce baking powder/soda by 1/4 teaspoon.
- Increase sugar slightly for enhanced browning.
- Lower the oven temperature 25°F.
Test your adapted recipe to determine the ideal adjustments for that particular cake before baking a whole batch in jars.
Preparing the Jars
Get your jars ready for baking by:
- Washing thoroughly and drying upside down.
- Spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Dusting with flour and tapping out excess.
- Placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
You can skip the flour dusting for chocolate and sticky cakes. If adding mix-ins, place them in the bottom of the jar first.
Helpful Tips
- Let eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing for best results.
- Mix on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
- For evenly baked cakes, fill jars no more than 2/3 full.
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter.
- Tap the filled jars on your counter to release air bubbles.
Baking the Cakes
Bake the cakes according to your recipe’s recommended time and temperature. However, start checking several minutes early as jar cakes bake faster. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Here are some typical baking time ranges based on jar size:
| Jar Size | Baking Time Range |
|---|---|
| 8 oz | 18-22 minutes |
| 12 oz | 22-28 minutes |
| 16 oz | 28-34 minutes |
Immediately remove from oven when finished and let cool completely before decorating and sealing.
Common Baking Mistakes
Avoid these common cake-in-a-jar fails:
- Underfilling – Leads to dry, shrunken cakes.
- Overfilling – Causes overflow and inadequate rising.
- Too long baking – Creates dried out, cracked tops.
- Opening too soon – Causes cakes to sink from rapid cooling.
Sealing the Cakes
Once cooled, it’s time to seal up your cake jars! First, decorate the tops with frosting, sprinkles, nuts, fruit, etc. Next, wipe the jar rims to ensure they are clean and dry. Place the lids on and seal tightly. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The cakes will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Here are some creative ways to seal your cake jars:
- Mason jar lids
- Canning jar lids
- Food storage lids
- Plastic wrap under lid
- Wax paper under lid
No matter what sealing method you use, make sure the lid is on tight to prevent air getting in and drying out the cake.
Gift Giving Tips
Jars make great gifts! For presenting cake in a jar gifts:
- Add a gift tag with baking date and instructions.
- Tie ribbon around lid or neck of jar.
- Place in a gift box or gift bag.
- Include a small spatula or scoop.
- Pair with other treats like cookies or candy.
- Give with a mug for eating the cake from the jar.
Serving and Storing Cakes in Jars
Here are some tips for serving cake in a jar and storing leftovers:
- Use a wide spoon or small spatula to scoop out cake.
- Provide plates, forks, and napkins for easy eating.
- Refrigerate leftovers with lid on up to 5-7 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
- Microwave individual jars 15-20 seconds to warm before serving.
- Wash jars thoroughly after use and reuse.
Troubleshooting
If your sealed cake turns dry or moldy before serving, some common reasons include:
- Jar rim not properly cleaned allowing seal failure.
- Lid not tight enough.
- Storing at room temperature too long.
- Too much air left in jar.
Recipe Ideas
From classic flavors to creative new combinations, cake in a jar possibilities are endless! Try out some of these fun recipes:
Simple Vanilla
The basic cake that always delivers. Dress it up with different frostings and toppings.
Chocolate Lovers
Rich, fudgy chocolate cake layered with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips.
Confetti
Funfetti cake with rainbow sprinkles baked right in and vanilla or cream cheese frosting.
S’mores
Chocolate cake, marshmallow fluff, graham cracker crumbs – need I say more?
Pumpkin Spice
The flavors of fall in a jar – pumpkin cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, chopped pecans.
Lemon Blueberry
Fresh and tangy lemon cake with sweet blueberry compote and vanilla whipped cream.
Piña Colada
Escape to the tropics with pineapple coconut cake, rum glaze, and toasted coconut.
Decorating Cakes in Jars
Decorating your cake jars takes them to the next level. Let your creativity shine with these fun ideas:
- Cream cheese or buttercream frosting
- Chocolate ganache or fudge sauce
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh fruit like berries
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Crumbled cookies, graham crackers, or brownies
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Caramel or fudge sauce
- Crumbled toffee or candy pieces
If transporting the jars, add decorations just before serving to avoid damage. Get the kids involved too – decorating is part of the fun!
Presentation Ideas
Serve your decorated cake jars for a party or gifts with these presentation enhancements:
- Tie fabric around lid or neck of jar
- Place jars in a basket, crate or box
- Surround with shredded paper, crinkle cut paper, or hay
- Add a gift tag or gift label
- Use acrylic cake stands to display
- Serve with tongs for grabbing jars
- Provide disposable spoons, forks, and napkins
Conclusion
Cake in a jar is a fun project for bakers of all skill levels and provides an exciting way to serve up single-portion treats for any occasion. Sealing the cake jars properly ensures your creations maintain freshness and taste delicious. Follow the instructions on choosing jars and recipes, preparing, baking, sealing, decorating, and serving. With endless flavor combinations and unique presentation options, cake in a jar gifts will be a hit at parties, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and more. Bake up a batch and let your creativity shine!