Cupcakes in a Jar Recipe

Cupcakes in a Jar are a fun, colorful, and portable dessert, perfect for parties, gifts, or special occasions. This recipe layers vibrant, fluffy vanilla cake crumbles with rich, creamy frosting in mason jars, making for a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun & Portable – Easy to transport and serve, making them perfect for gifts or events.
• Colorful & Customizable – Use any colors or cake flavors to match your theme.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and stored for later.
• Perfect for Gifting – A beautiful and tasty homemade gift idea.
• Kid-Friendly – A great activity for kids to help assemble and decorate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe)
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• Gel food coloring (blue, purple, yellow, pink)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (for topping)

Directions

Bake the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Cake Batter – Follow the instructions on the cake mix package (or use a homemade vanilla cake recipe).
3. Divide & Color – Separate the batter into four bowls and tint each with a different gel food coloring.
4. Bake – Pour batter into cupcake liners, keeping colors separate. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely – Let cupcakes cool on a wire rack before assembling the jars.

Make the Frosting:

6. Cream Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Sugar & Vanilla – Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
8. Adjust Consistency – If needed, add more cream for a smoother texture.

Assemble the Jars:

9. Crumble the Cupcakes – Remove the cupcake liners and break the cupcakes into small pieces.
10. Layer the Jars – In mason jars, layer blue cake crumbles, followed by a swirl of frosting. Add purple cake, more frosting, then yellow and pink layers.
11. Top & Decorate – Pipe whipped frosting on top and finish with colorful sprinkles.

Serve & Enjoy!

12. Chill if Desired – Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes for a firmer texture, or serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 jars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Version – Use chocolate cake and chocolate frosting for a rich twist.
• Lemon Raspberry – Swap vanilla cake for lemon cake and add raspberry jam between layers.
• Red, White & Blue – Use red and blue cake layers for patriotic celebrations.
• Cookies & Cream – Add crushed Oreos between cake layers for extra crunch.
• Vegan Option – Use dairy-free cake and frosting alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unassembled cake crumbles and frosting separately for up to 2 months. Assemble after thawing.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature; no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a mix?

Yes! Any homemade vanilla cake recipe works well for this recipe.

What size jars should I use?

8-ounce mason jars are ideal, but you can use any size depending on portion preference.

How do I keep the cake layers from getting soggy?

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before assembling the jars.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, you can leave the cake natural or use colors that match your theme.

Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?

Yes, but keep in mind whipped cream is less stable and should be served immediately.

How do I get even cake layers in the jars?

Use a spoon or measuring cup to distribute equal amounts of cake in each jar.

Can I make mini versions of this recipe?

Yes! Use smaller jars for bite-sized servings.

What’s the best way to transport these?

Secure the lids on the jars and place them in a box or carrier to prevent tipping.

Can I add fruit between the layers?

Absolutely! Fresh berries or fruit preserves add extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cupcakes in a Jar are a delightful and visually stunning dessert, perfect for parties, gifts, or simply indulging in a fun treat. With colorful cake layers, rich frosting, and a portable design, these jars are as fun to make as they are to eat. Try them for your next celebration!