Easter Cake in a Jar: A Fun & Festive Easter Dessert

If you’re looking for a cute, colorful, and easy Easter dessert, this Easter Cake in a Jar is the perfect treat! With layers of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and festive sprinkles, these Easter cake jars are a fun, mess-free dessert that’s great for kids, gifting, and even Easter fundraisers.

Whether you need Easter desserts for kids, Easter treats for kids, or Easter cupcakes decoration ideas, these jar cakes are easy to assemble and totally customizable—plus, they look absolutely adorable!

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What Is Easter Cake in a Jar?

This cake in a jar is a layered dessert made by stacking moist cake layers with frosting and Easter candies inside a jar. Think of it as a mini layered cake but with the convenience of portability! These jars are great for parties, picnics, or individual servings at an Easter lunch or fundraiser.

Perfect for those who love Easter candy recipes, these cakes are bright, festive, and incredibly fun to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun & Portable: No mess, no plates—just grab a jar and enjoy!
• Customizable: Use different cake flavors, frosting colors, or candy decorations.
• Perfect for Kids: A great hands-on dessert activity for little bakers.
• Great for Easter Fundraisers: Package in jars with ribbons for an adorable Easter gift.
• Easy to Make: Use store-bought or homemade cake for a simple, delicious treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
• Food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, green, or pastel shades)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
• Food coloring (optional, for colorful frosting layers)

For the Decorations:

• Easter sprinkles
• Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&Ms
• Shredded coconut (optional, for a “grass” effect)
• Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks (for topping, optional)

Other Supplies:

• 6–8 small mason jars or clear dessert cups
• Piping bag or spoon (for layering the frosting neatly)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for batter and frosting)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for smooth mixing)
• Baking sheets or cake pans (for baking the cake layers)
• Round cookie cutter or knife (to cut cake layers for jars)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
3. Divide the batter into 4 bowls and color each with a different pastel shade.
4. Pour the colored batters into separate areas of the cake pan or use multiple pans.
5. Bake according to the package instructions and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and heavy cream.
3. Beat until light and fluffy, adding food coloring if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Jars

1. Cut the cooled cake into small circles using a cookie cutter or knife.
2. Place a cake layer at the bottom of each jar.
3. Pipe or spoon a layer of frosting over the cake.
4. Repeat layers until the jar is full, alternating cake colors and frosting.

Step 4: Decorate & Serve

1. Top with Easter sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or shredded coconut.
2. Add a Peeps bunny or chick on top for a fun Easter touch.
3. Close the jars and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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Tips for the Best Easter Cake Jars

• Use a piping bag for neat and even frosting layers.
• Let the cake cool completely before assembling to prevent melting frosting.
• Use clear mason jars to show off the beautiful pastel layers.
• Experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest or strawberry extract to the cake or frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the jars: Leave space for frosting and toppings.
• Not leveling the cake layers: Uneven layers can make the jar look messy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilled jars help set the frosting and flavors.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Chocolate Easter Cake Jars: Use chocolate cake with pastel frosting.
• Lemon Coconut Cake Jars: Add lemon zest to the batter and shredded coconut on top.
• Strawberry Shortcake Jars: Layer strawberry cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a GF-friendly option.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Make Ahead Tip: Bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day in advance for easy assembly.

Serving Suggestions

These Easter Cake Jars pair perfectly with:

• A fun Easter egg hunt
• A pastel-themed dessert table
• A side of vanilla ice cream
• A springtime brunch with family

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FAQs

Can I use store-bought cake and frosting?

Yes! Store-bought cake and frosting make this recipe even easier.

How do I make these jars healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of buttercream frosting for a lighter version.

Can I make this recipe without food coloring?

Yes! The cake will still be delicious without pastel colors.

What size jars should I use?

Small 4-oz or 8-oz mason jars work best for individual servings.

Conclusion

These Easter Cake Jars are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for Easter treats for kids, Easter lunch ideas, and Easter fundraisers. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them in cute jars, or enjoying them at home, these colorful cakes are sure to bring smiles all around!

Try this Easter cake in a jar recipe today and enjoy a beautiful, portable, and delicious Easter treat!

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