Dreamy Red Velvet Cake in a Jar Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories often start with an unexpected red velvet cake in a jar that catches your eye unexpectedly.

Layers of crimson-hued goodness peek through glass walls, promising a delightful dessert adventure.

Compact and charming, this miniature treat breaks traditional baking boundaries with its playful presentation.

Mason jars become magical vessels that hold rich, velvety cake and smooth cream cheese frosting.

Portable desserts like these make sharing simple and elegant for any gathering or quiet moment of indulgence.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of moist cake and creamy frosting that melts deliciously on your tongue.

You’ll want to whip up these adorable desserts right away and impress everyone with your creative baking skills.

Why Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Feels So Special

• Quick and Easy Dessert Creation: Transform a classic red velvet cake into adorable individual serving jars that wow guests with minimal effort and maximum cuteness.
• Perfect Party Presentation: These portable desserts are ideal for potlucks, birthdays, and picnics, allowing guests to enjoy a personalized sweet treat without messy cutting or plating.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible for beginner and experienced cooks alike.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Mason jar presentation allows for easy decoration, portion control, and the ability to make ahead of time, ensuring stress-free entertaining with a delightful dessert that looks professionally crafted.

What You’ll Need For Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and texture of the cake, with a soft and tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist cake with golden edges.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a light chocolate flavor and deep red color characteristic of red velvet.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft, preventing dryness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cake's unique texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a rich, creamy base for the frosting with a tangy smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

Easy Instructions For Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it some love with a light grease, then line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently mix until everything just comes together – don’t overmix! The batter should look smooth and vibrant red.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely – patience is key!

Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until they become best friends and look super smooth.

• Add powdered sugar gradually
• Mix in vanilla extract
• Beat until the frosting looks fluffy and irresistible

Step 7: Prepare Cake Layers

Use a round cookie cutter or a cup to cut perfect cake circles that fit into your mason jars.

Step 8: Build Jar Masterpieces

• Place a cake circle at the bottom
• Pipe or spoon cream cheese frosting on top
• Repeat layers
• Finish with a frosting layer
• Sprinkle with cake crumbs or colorful sprinkles

Step 9: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the jars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Grab a spoon and dive into your delicious creation!

Tips To Get Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Just Right

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, sugar, and cocoa powder quantities to ensure consistent cake texture.
• Control Food Coloring Carefully: Add red food coloring gradually to achieve vibrant color without affecting the cake's taste or consistency.
• Create Smooth Frosting Technique: Beat cream cheese and butter at room temperature for maximum smoothness, preventing lumpy frosting.
• Layer Strategically in Jars: Cut cake circles slightly smaller than jar diameter for easy layering and elegant presentation.
• Refrigeration Matters: Chill jars for at least 30 minutes to help frosting set and enhance flavor melding between cake and cream cheese layers.

How To Store Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

• Refrigerate red velvet cake jars in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Keep sealed jars in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
• These delightful treats will stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Remove jars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying to allow frosting to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
• Avoid freezing cream cheese frosting as it may separate and lose its creamy texture.
• Store individual jars separately to prevent cross-contamination of flavors.
• Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual odors or mold before consuming.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended storage timeframe and keep refrigerated at all times.

Best Things To Pair With Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

• Pair with Creamy Coffee: Rich, smooth espresso or cappuccino perfectly complements the sweet, velvety texture of red velvet cake, balancing its richness with a warm, robust flavor.
• Match with Berry Bliss: A chilled raspberry or strawberry smoothie adds a tangy, fruity contrast that cuts through the cake's sweetness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Enhance with Sparkling Wine: A crisp, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco elevates the dessert experience, creating a luxurious and celebratory mood with its effervescent bubbles.
• Complement with Vanilla Milkshake: A creamy, cold vanilla milkshake offers a classic pairing that enhances the cake's indulgent nature and provides a smooth, cool accompaniment.

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar With A Twist

• Chocolate Lover's Jar: Replace cocoa powder with dark chocolate cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor. Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness. Garnish with chocolate shavings on top of the frosting.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter. Layer crushed nuts between cake and frosting layers. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on the final frosting layer for added texture.
• Berry Bliss Jar: Fold fresh raspberries or strawberries into the cake batter. Add a thin layer of berry compote between cake and frosting layers. Top with fresh berry pieces for a fruity burst.
• Coconut Dream Jar: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter. Dust cake layers with toasted coconut flakes. Add coconut extract to the cream cheese frosting for enhanced tropical flavor.

Your Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Questions Answered

• What makes red velvet cake different from other chocolate cakes?

The signature deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor set red velvet cake apart. It uses a small amount of cocoa powder and vinegar, which creates a unique tangy taste and tender crumb that distinguishes it from traditional chocolate cakes.

• Why does the recipe use buttermilk and vinegar?

The acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar react with baking soda, helping the cake become lighter and more tender. They also enhance the cake’s texture, making it soft and moist with a subtle tanginess that complements the cream cheese frosting.

• Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?

While red food coloring creates the classic vibrant red color, you can skip it for a more natural look. The cake will still taste delicious and have the traditional red velvet flavor profile without the intense red hue.

• Can I use a different type of jar for this dessert?

Mason jars work best because they’re sturdy and have straight sides, making layering easier. However, you can use clear glasses or small mason-style jars with similar dimensions to create these portable, individual desserts.

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 68 1x

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Description

Red velvet cake nestled in charming mason jars delivers sweet nostalgia with Southern charm. Rich cocoa-infused layers swirled with cream cheese frosting create irresistible personal desserts for you to savor and share.

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Ingredients

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cake ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

frosting ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

additional items:

• 6–8 small mason jars (8 ounces each)
• crushed red velvet cake crumbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by combining dry ingredients in a mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform blend of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk liquid components separately, integrating buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb texture.
4. Transfer cake batter into a meticulously greased rectangular baking vessel lined with parchment paper.
5. Slide pan into a preheated oven set at 350°F and bake approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a test skewer emerges cleanly from the center.
6. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack, facilitating easier handling and cutting.
7. Craft cream cheese frosting by whipping room-temperature cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, blending thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps.
9. Infuse frosting with vanilla extract, beating until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
10. Select clean mason jars as serving vessels.
11. Utilize a circular cutting tool to create precise cake rounds matching jar diameter.
12. Layer cake circles and frosting alternately within jars, beginning with cake and concluding with a decorative frosting peak.
13. Optionally garnish with delicate cake crumbs or festive sprinkles for visual appeal.
14. Refrigerate assembled desserts for minimum 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and structural stability.
15. Serve chilled, encouraging direct jar consumption with a dessert spoon.

Notes

• Swap red food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder or pomegranate juice for a healthier twist.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Choose low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar for a lighter version of the classic recipe.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 68
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg