Description
This delightful Cake In A Jar recipe offers an innovative and charming way to enjoy classic vanilla cake layered with creamy cream cheese frosting, sparkling grape juice, and festive decorations. Perfect for gifting or celebrating special occasions, this recipe guides you through baking a moist vanilla cake, preparing a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting, and assembling beautiful individual servings in jars.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (10.6 oz / 300 grams)
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (8 oz / 226 grams), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar (14 oz / 400 grams)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (8 oz / 240 ml, room temperature)
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (226 grams), softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz / 113 grams), softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons sparkling white grape juice (chilled, or grape juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- Gold and silver sprinkles
- Edible glitter or sugar
- Mini truffles or macarons (optional)
- Festive toppers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the whole milk to the batter in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and cut: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use a cookie cutter to cut the cake into circles sized to fit your jars.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Add powdered sugar and grape juice: Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on a low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Slowly add the sparkling white grape juice, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy texture.
- Assemble the jars: In each jar, start with a layer of cake circle, pipe a layer of frosting, then sprinkle with gold and silver sprinkles or edible glitter. Repeat the layers until the jar is full, finishing with a decorated frosting top. Optionally, adorn with mini truffles, macarons, or festive toppers for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and milk are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter that fits your jars well for uniform cake layers.
- Chilling the sparkling grape juice ensures the frosting maintains a nice, fluffy texture when mixed in.
- Store assembled cakes refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
