Chocolate Cake in a Jar Recipe
Chocolate Cake in a Jar might just be your new favorite way to do cake.
It’s chocolatey, portable, and way easier to make than it looks — basically everything you want when you need a quick sweet fix.
Each spoonful of this dessert recipe has the perfect balance of cake and frosting, and that’s what makes these little jars so irresistible.
Whether you’re putting together a party dessert table, surprising a friend with a homemade gift, or just treating yourself after a long day, cake jars check all the boxes.
They look fancy, taste amazing, and the best part? You don’t even need to be a pro baker to pull them off.
What is a cake in a jar called?
Mason jar cakes or jar cake. It’s the same idea as a regular cake recipe, but baked and served in small, individual jars. They’re popular because they’re portable, cute, and easy to customize for gifts or parties.
How to Make Chocolate Cake in a Jar
- Start by whisking together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk until just combined.
- Scoop the batter into prepared half-pint jars. Don’t overfill the jars, stick to about 6 tablespoons of batter per jar so the cake has room to rise without overflowing.
- Place the jars in a 9×13 pan to keep them stable in the oven and ensure even baking.
- Once cooled, pipe chocolate buttercream frosting on top with a star tip. While chocolate is classic, cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or even homemade whipped cream are fun variations.
- Finish with sprinkles, and seal with lids.
- Chill in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy or share.
Make it festive: Change up the sprinkles and decorations for holidays, birthdays, or special events. For gifts tie a ribbon around the jar and add a spoon for an easy homemade gift.
Yes, since they’re sealed in jars and topped with frosting, refrigeration keeps them fresh and safe to eat.
Yes! Bake and frost them a day ahead, then refrigerate until serving. They’re great for prepping ahead.
Cake in a jar will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to 2 months, then thaw and decorate when you’re ready to enjoy.
Jarden Kerr Wide Mouth Half-Pint Glass Mason Jars 8-Ounces with Lids and Bands 12-Count per Case (1-Case)Ball Regular Mouth Leak-Proof Plastic Lids for Glass Mason Jars, Used for Canning, Pickling, Juice, Jam, Jelly 6-Count, Pack of 1 (6-Lids Total)
DayMark Safety Systems 18
Extra Large Open Star Piping Tip for Churros,Eclairs,Meringues,Deviled Eggs,Cakes, Cupcakes,Cookies & Pastry Decorating,3 Pcs
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to check out these great ideas too!
- For more fun ways to feed a crowd, try some easy birthday party snacks that everyone will love.
- If you can’t get enough sweets in small portions, explore delicious mini dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
- And if chocolate isn’t your only craving, be sure to find more jar cakes like vanilla cakes in a jar.
- Be sure to check out these other chocolate cake recipes for even more rich, indulgent ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chocolate Cake in a Jar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 16 oz chocolate frosting
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Spray 7 half pint size jars with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder and salt and mix well. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, add butter and sugar and beat until fluffy, scraping down the sides halfway through beating.
- Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.
- Add flour mixture to the batter, alternating with milk and beat just until combined.
- Using a 3 tablespoon portion scoop, scoop 6 tablespoons of batter into 7 jars.
- Place jars into a 9×13 baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let stand to cool completely.
- Once cooled, place frosting into a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe frosting onto the tops of each cake.
- Add sprinkles and screw the tops on.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.