Last spring, I set these little jars on the dessert table and watched everyone’s faces light up. This Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe brings soft pastel layers, fluffy frosting, and candy on top all in one sweet, handheld treat. It looks fancy, yet it feels simple and fun from start to finish.
This colorful layered dessert fits Easter brunch, church potlucks, or a quiet family dinner at home. Because you bake the cake ahead, you can assemble the jars when you feel ready. So let’s walk through each step together and make this Easter dessert feel easy and joyful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe
Festive Layers and Bright Pastel Colors
First, the pastel colors make this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe stand out on any table. Pink, yellow, teal, and purple layers stack neatly inside clear jars. As a result, every spoonful shows a soft rainbow effect that feels playful and spring ready.
Meanwhile, the white frosting between each layer adds contrast. So when you press it gently against the glass, the stripes look clean and defined. It almost feels like edible artwork.
Kid-Friendly, Make-Ahead, and Perfect for Gifting
Because this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe uses simple cake mix, kids can help tint the batter and crumble the cake. They love choosing colors, and they also enjoy spooning the layers into jars.
In addition, these jars travel well. You can screw on lids and take them to a party without stress. So if you need an easy Easter dessert to share, this one works beautifully.
Simple Ingredients with Big Visual Impact
Although the ingredient list stays short, the final look feels special. You use a white cake mix, canned frosting, food coloring, and candy. Yet together, they create a bright and cheerful dessert.
If you already enjoy colorful spring treats like my Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Swirls and Creamy Filling, then this recipe will fit right into your holiday lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients for the Cake Layers
For this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe, you need:
1 white cake mix, prepared according to package directions
Food coloring in pink, yellow, teal, and purple
First, prepare the batter exactly as the box directs. Then divide it evenly into four bowls. After that, tint each bowl with a different pastel color and stir until smooth.
Frosting, Decorations, and Jar Size Notes
You will also need:
1 can white frosting
Edible Easter grass
Jelly bean Easter eggs
Optional Easter sprinkles
Four 4 to 6 ounce jars
Because jar size matters, stick with 4 to 6 ounce jars. That way, the layers stay neat and the portions feel just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare and Color the Cake Batter
First, preheat your oven and line cupcake tins. Then prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions.
Next, divide the batter into four bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and stir well. Keep the shades soft and pastel for that classic Easter look.
Bake, Cool, and Crumble Each Pastel Layer
After that, fill the cupcake tins with the colored batters. Bake according to package instructions, about 28 minutes.
Once baked, let the cakes cool completely. This step matters because warm cake will melt the frosting. When cool, crumble each color into its own bowl so the layers stay distinct.
How to Layer the Cakes and Frosting in the Jars
Now comes the fun part of this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe. Spoon one cake color into the bottom of each jar.
Then transfer the frosting into a plastic bag and snip a small corner. Pipe a thin layer of frosting over the cake. Continue alternating cake and frosting until the jar fills.
As you pipe, press the frosting gently toward the glass. This helps the stripes show clearly from the outside.
Tips for Clean, Defined Layers and Easy Assembly
First, always assemble after the cakes cool fully. If the cake feels even slightly warm, wait a bit longer.
Next, use small spoonfuls instead of large scoops. This gives you better control and cleaner layers. In fact, taking your time here makes a big difference in presentation.
Decorating the Tops with Grass, Jelly Beans, or Sprinkles
Finally, top each jar with edible Easter grass. Then add a few jelly bean Easter eggs or festive sprinkles.
At this point, the Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe truly looks complete. The bright candy on top adds texture and a cheerful finish.
Time, Servings, and Helpful Notes
Prep, Bake, Cooling, and Total Time Overview
Prep time takes about 20 minutes.
Bake time runs about 28 minutes.
Cooling and assembly take about 30 minutes.
So in total, plan for around 1 hour and 18 minutes from start to finish.
Serving Yield and Portion Details
This Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe makes 4 servings. Each jar equals one serving.
Because the jars hold 4 to 6 ounces, they offer a sweet treat without feeling too heavy. So guests can enjoy dessert without overdoing it.
Nutrition Highlights and Ingredient Variations
Each jar has about 120 calories. It includes 5 grams total fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 47 mg cholesterol, 89 mg sodium, 17 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, and 3 grams protein.
Keep in mind that values vary by brand. So always check your packaging if you need exact numbers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easter Cake Jars
Best Tools and Jar Sizes
Use clear 4 to 6 ounce jars for best results. Clear glass helps show off the layers, which makes this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe shine.
Also, a simple plastic bag works great for piping frosting. You do not need fancy tools.
How to Store and Transport the Cake Jars
Store the jars in the refrigerator if you make them ahead. Cover tightly with lids or plastic wrap.
When transporting, keep them upright in a shallow box. Because the layers stay packed, they travel well for brunch or parties.
Flavor Swaps, Color Options, and Custom Add-Ins
Although white cake keeps the colors bright, you can try vanilla or even lemon cake for a twist. You could also match the colors to your party theme.
If you love fruity spring flavors, you might also enjoy Lemon Blueberry Cake Easy Easter Dessert for another bright option.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Preventing Crumbs from Mixing Colors
First, crumble each color into separate bowls. Then wash your hands between colors if needed.
Because small crumbs can mix easily, take your time. Clean layers make this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe look polished.
Keeping Frosting Layers Neat and Visible
Pipe thin, even layers of frosting. Do not squeeze too hard.
Also, press the frosting gently against the glass with the piping tip. This step keeps the stripes clear and defined.
What to Do if Cake Cools Too Quickly or Crumbles Too Much
If the cake crumbles too finely, use slightly larger pieces for the next layer. Texture helps define each color.
However, if the cake feels dry, add a small extra swirl of frosting between layers. That extra moisture brings everything together.
Before you head to the FAQs, come join me on Pinterest and Facebook for more Easter desserts and kitchen inspiration.
FAQs About Easter Cake In A Jar
How do you make a cake in a jar?
You bake cake first, let it cool, then crumble it. After that, layer cake and frosting inside small jars. Finish with festive toppings for a colorful dessert.
What is the famous Easter cake?
Many people think of carrot cake as the classic Easter cake. However, colorful layered cakes like this Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe have also become popular for spring gatherings.
Can you bake a cake in a glass jar?
You can bake in certain oven safe jars, but for this recipe, bake the cake in cupcake tins first. Then assemble the layers in jars after cooling.
How long does cake in a jar last?
Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them tightly covered so the cake stays fresh.
More Such Recipes
- Easter Egg Cheesecake Easy No-Bake Spring Dessert
- Lemon Blueberry Cake Easy Easter Dessert
- Easter Bunny Button Cookies Festive Easter Treat
- Easter Egg Peanut Butter Haystacks No-Bake Dessert
- Strawberry Shortcake Easter Egg Bombs No-Bake Spring Treat
- Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Swirls and Creamy Filling
- Egg Easter Cupcakes Soft Vanilla Spring Dessert
Conclusion
This Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe brings color, sweetness, and a little bit of fun to your holiday table. Because it uses simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can make it with confidence. So grab your jars, mix those pastel colors, and enjoy every bright, layered spoonful.
Print
Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe Colorful Easy Surprise
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars 1x
Description
This Easter Cake In A Jar Recipe features colorful pastel cake layers, fluffy white frosting, and festive candy toppings. It is a simple, fun, and kid-friendly Easter dessert perfect for brunch, parties, or gifting.
Ingredients
1 white cake mix, prepared according to package directions
1 can white frosting
Food coloring in pink, yellow, teal, and purple
Edible Easter grass
Jelly bean Easter eggs
Optional Easter sprinkles
Four 4 to 6 oz jars
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prepare the white cake batter according to package directions.
2. Divide the batter evenly into four bowls and tint each portion pink, yellow, teal, and purple.
3. Fill cupcake tins with the colored batters and bake according to package instructions, about 28 minutes.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely.
5. Crumble each cake color into separate bowls to keep the layers distinct.
6. Transfer frosting into a plastic bag and snip off a small corner to create a piping bag.
7. Add a layer of one cake color to the bottom of each jar.
8. Pipe a thin layer of frosting over the cake and press gently toward the glass.
9. Continue alternating cake and frosting until jars are filled.
10. Top with edible Easter grass, jelly beans, and optional sprinkles.
Notes
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on brands used.
Use 4 to 6 ounce clear jars for clean, defined layers.
Assemble only after cakes fully cool to prevent melting frosting.
Store jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Easter Desserts Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 89 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
