Easter Cake In A Jar

If you’re looking for a creative, fun, and adorably delicious dessert for Easter, these Easter Cakes in a Jar are the perfect solution! These individual-sized cakes are beautifully layered with moist, fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and festive pastel colors—making them a delightful treat for kids and adults alike.

Not only are these easy to make and serve, but they’re also great for gifting, Easter brunch, or party favors. Plus, the layered colors and textures make them a showstopper! Whether you’re celebrating with family or preparing a sweet surprise for friends, these Easter Cake Jars will bring joy to every bite.

Let’s get started on this sweet and festive dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Easter Cake in a Jar

• Fun, Festive, and Colorful – Beautiful pastel layers make these jars an eye-catching dessert.
• Portable and Mess-Free – Perfect for parties, picnics, or gifting.
• Customizable – Use different cake flavors, fillings, or decorations for endless variations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Perfect for Kids & Adults – A whimsical and delicious treat everyone will enjoy!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8–10 cake jars (depending on jar size)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cake Jar)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g

Ingredients for Easter Cake in a Jar

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
• Gel food coloring (pastel pink, blue, yellow, and purple)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• Gel food coloring (optional for pastel frosting layers)

For Assembly & Decorations:

• 8–10 small mason jars (4 oz or 8 oz jars work best)
• Easter sprinkles (pastel confetti, bunnies, eggs, etc.)
• Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&M’s
• Shredded coconut (optional for a “nest” effect)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Cake in a Jar

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 2: Color and Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter into four equal bowls.
2. Use gel food coloring to tint each portion a different pastel color (pink, blue, yellow, and purple). Stir gently until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Pour the different colored batters side by side into the prepared pan, swirling slightly with a toothpick for a marbled effect (or bake in separate round cake pans for defined layers).
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
4. If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with pastel food coloring to match the cake layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Jars

1. Crumble the cooled cake into separate bowls according to color.
2. Place a layer of cake crumbles at the bottom of each mason jar (starting with one color).
3. Pipe or spread a thin layer of frosting on top of the cake layer.
4. Repeat the process, alternating cake layers and frosting until the jar is full.
5. Top with festive decorations—Easter sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or shredded coconut for a cute “nest” effect.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Let the jars chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your beautiful Easter Cake in a Jar!

Ingredient Background

This delightful cake-in-a-jar recipe is all about using simple ingredients to create a stunning and flavorful dessert. Here’s why each component plays a key role:

Fluffy Vanilla Cake Base

A classic vanilla cake provides the perfect foundation for these cake jars. The addition of sour cream makes the cake extra moist, while milk ensures a tender crumb. The gel food coloring adds a festive Easter touch without altering the cake’s consistency.

Buttercream Frosting

A traditional buttercream frosting is rich, creamy, and holds the cake layers together beautifully. The vanilla flavor keeps it light and complements the pastel cake layers without overpowering them. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, adding a pinch of salt helps balance the flavors.

Easter Decorations

The decorations make this dessert extra festive and fun! Pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, M&M’s, or shredded coconut add both texture and visual appeal, making each jar feel like a mini Easter basket.

Technique Tips for Easter Cake in a Jar

Making cake jars is simple, but following these tips will ensure a perfect result every time:

First, let the cake cool completely before assembling. Warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, leading to a messy and uneven layer.

Second, use a piping bag for the frosting instead of spreading it with a spoon. This creates neater layers and makes the jars look more polished and professional. If you don’t have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off works great!

Lastly, layer the cake crumbles gently without pressing too hard. If packed too tightly, the cake can become dense instead of light and fluffy. Keeping it loosely layered helps maintain a soft texture.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

While cake jars are adorable on their own, there are other fun ways to serve them for different occasions:

For Easter brunch, arrange the jars on a tiered cake stand and add small name tags to each one for a personal touch. This also makes them great party favors!

If you want an interactive dessert station, set up a “Cake in a Jar Bar” where guests can build their own jars with different cake flavors, frosting colors, and toppings. Kids especially love this hands-on approach!

For a giftable version, tie a ribbon around the lid of each jar and attach a small wooden spoon. This turns them into adorable Easter gifts that friends and family will love.

Freezing and Storing Easter Cake in a Jar

These cake jars are perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored in different ways:

If storing in the fridge, cover each jar with a lid or plastic wrap and keep them chilled for up to 4 days. They taste best when allowed to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

For freezing, assemble the cake jars without the decorations and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and add the festive toppings before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to make these cake jars a bit healthier? Here are some lightened-up alternatives:

Instead of using all-purpose flour, swap in almond flour or whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

For a lower-sugar version, reduce the granulated sugar in the cake batter by ¼ cup and replace some of the powdered sugar in the frosting with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.

To make it dairy-free, substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk, and use vegan butter for the frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These cake jars are versatile and work for various occasions beyond Easter. Here’s how to adapt them for different celebrations:

For a Springtime Baby Shower, swap the Easter sprinkles for floral decorations or edible flowers to create a more elegant pastel-themed dessert.

If serving at a birthday party, customize the jars with different flavored cakes (such as chocolate, lemon, or strawberry) and let guests pick their favorite combination.

For a picnic or outdoor gathering, pack the cake jars in a cooler and serve them with small spoons for an easy, mess-free dessert on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought cake mix instead of making it from scratch?

Yes! A vanilla or yellow cake mix works well if you’re short on time. Just divide the batter and add food coloring as needed.

2. What size jars should I use?

4 oz or 8 oz mason jars are best. Smaller jars make great mini desserts, while larger jars work for a full serving-sized treat.

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or Swiss meringue buttercream all work well with this cake.

4. Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes! The cake will still taste amazing even if left in its natural vanilla color. You can also use natural food dyes like beet powder or matcha for a fun twist.

5. How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake the cake. Checking for doneness with a toothpick at 25 minutes helps prevent it from drying out.

6. Can I use cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?

Yes! Simply bake cupcakes, crumble them, and layer them in jars for a quick and easy version.

7. Can I make a chocolate version of this cake?

Definitely! Use a chocolate cake recipe and pair it with pastel-colored frosting for an Easter-themed twist.

8. What’s the best way to transport these cake jars?

Place them in a deep baking dish or a box with dividers to prevent tipping while transporting.

9. Can I add fruit layers to this cake?

Yes! Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh, fruity contrast to the sweet cake and frosting.

10. How far in advance can I make these cake jars?

They can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add the decorations right before serving for the best presentation.

Conclusion

This Easter Cake in a Jar is a delicious, festive, and fun dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday! With moist, colorful cake layers, creamy frosting, and cute Easter decorations, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, a party, or as a gift, these jars are easy to customize, store, and transport. Plus, they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat!

Try this recipe today and bring some sweet, colorful joy to your Easter celebrations! Happy baking!

Print