Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Introduction

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar is a fun and creative twist on the classic red velvet cake. Perfect for individual servings, these jarred cakes are moist, tender, and full of rich red color with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a celebration, a gift for someone, or just craving a personalized dessert, these jar cakes are sure to delight.

I first made these for a birthday party, and they were an instant hit. The vibrant color and the individual servings made them so much more exciting than a traditional cake. They’re easy to make and even easier to share, and they have a charming, rustic feel when presented in jars. You can decorate the jars with a ribbon or a cute label, making them perfect for gifting.

What I love most about these Red Velvet Cakes in a Jar is how simple they are to customize. You can add sprinkles, top them with a dusting of cocoa powder, or even drizzle with a little chocolate or caramel sauce. These jarred cakes are the ideal treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to make your celebrations feel extra special!

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Gift-giving
• Special occasions
• Desserts for sharing
• Red velvet cake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Here’s why Red Velvet Cake In A Jar will become your new favorite treat:

• Individual Servings: These jar cakes are perfect for personal portions, making them easy to serve and enjoy.
• Moist and Tender Cake: The cake is soft, moist, and flavorful with just the right amount of cocoa and a slight tang from buttermilk.
• Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
• Visually Stunning: The rich red color of the cake layers makes these jars visually appealing, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Customizable: You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even different frosting designs to make these cakes unique to your style.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 jars (depending on jar size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cake In A Jar:

• For the cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (if needed to adjust consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: The buttermilk in the cake provides moisture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor and texture of the red velvet cake.
• Red Food Coloring: The vibrant red color is essential to give this cake its classic appearance.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet and moist red velvet cake.
• Butter: Both the cake and frosting benefit from butter, adding richness and a soft, tender texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Cake In A Jar:

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the bottoms of your mason jars (about 4 oz size) or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vinegar. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fill the Jars: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared mason jars, filling each about halfway full. Tap the jars gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the jars for 10 minutes, then remove them from the jars to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8. Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
9. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue beating until fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cakes:

10. Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or offset spatula to spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cake. For a layered effect, you can slice the cakes in half horizontally and add frosting in between layers.
11. Decorate: Optional: Top the frosting with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a small decorative touch to make the cakes extra festive.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar can be served in many delightful ways:

• As Individual Desserts: Serve the cakes directly in the jars for an adorable and personal dessert experience.
• For Special Occasions: These jar cakes are perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, or weddings. Serve them at a dessert table or as party favors.
• As Gifts: Pack the cakes in decorative jars or containers and gift them to friends, family, or colleagues.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These rich and moist cakes pair wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage.
• For a Picnic or BBQ: Easy to transport, these jar cakes are perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cake In A Jar turns out perfect every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and even texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to make it easier to spread.
• Use a Piping Bag: A piping bag can help you create smooth, even layers of frosting for a more professional look.
• Avoid Overfilling the Jars: Fill the jars about halfway full to allow the cake to rise without overflowing during baking.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Here are 5 variations you can try for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar:

• Chocolate Red Velvet Cake In A Jar: Add a little extra cocoa powder for a more chocolate-forward flavor.
• Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar: Make small cupcakes instead of full layers and stack them in jars for a bite-sized treat.
• Carrot Red Velvet Cake In A Jar: Add finely grated carrots to the batter for a twist on classic red velvet.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake In A Jar: Layer the cake with a cream cheese filling to create a red velvet cheesecake in a jar.
• Red Velvet with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

• Freezing: You can freeze the red velvet cakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cakes in airtight jars or containers for up to 4-5 days. Keep refrigerated if you have leftover frosting.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Cake In A Jar easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency.
• Mason Jars: Use small mason jars (4 oz size) or any small glass containers that are oven-safe for baking the cakes.
• Piping Bag or Spatula: For smooth, even frosting layers, use a piping bag or offset spatula.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure the best results.
• Toothpicks: To test the doneness of the cakes.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack allows the cakes to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

1. Can I use store-bought frosting?
   Yes, you can substitute store-bought cream cheese frosting if you’re short on time.
2. Can I make the cakes without food coloring?
   Yes, you can skip the food coloring, but the red color is part of the signature look of red velvet cake.
3. Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?
   Yes, cream cheese frosting can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container, and thaw before using.
4. Can I make this recipe in regular cake pans?
   Yes, you can bake the cake in regular cake pans and then slice it into individual servings, but the jars make it more fun and personalized.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar is a charming and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert! The layers of soft, moist cake and rich, creamy frosting come together beautifully in these cute individual servings. With that vibrant red color, they’re not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to simple get-togethers, these jar cakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. Plus, you can easily personalize them with different toppings, making each jar a unique creation.

Can’t wait to see how your Red Velvet Cake In A Jar turns out! Be sure to snap a pic and share it on social media—I’d love to see your beautiful and tasty creations! Happy baking!