Red Velvet Cake in a Jar Recipe Tiny Treats Delight

Layers of decadent red velvet cake create a whimsical dessert that captures hearts instantly.

Sweet memories bloom with each carefully crafted spoonful nestled in a charming glass container.

Vibrant crimson crumbs mingle with creamy frosting, promising an indulgent experience.

Compact and portable, this dessert delivers maximum deliciousness in a convenient package.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore the playful presentation that turns classic cake into an irresistible treat.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with these individually portioned delights.

You’ll want to savor every single luscious bite of this delightful confection.

Reasons to Love Red Velvet Cake in a Jar

• Red Velvet Cake In A Jar's Irresistible Charm
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing process make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Transforming classic red velvet cake into adorable jar-sized servings creates an impressive and Instagram-worthy dessert that's sure to wow guests.
• Individually portioned jars make these cakes ideal for picnics, potlucks, birthdays, and casual gatherings, offering convenient and mess-free serving.
• Easy to personalize with different frosting styles, toppings, or decorative elements, allowing creative home bakers to add their unique touch to this classic dessert.

Must-Have Ingredients for Red Velvet Jar Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cake, providing essential texture and support.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake browning and moisture.
• Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep red velvet color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.

• Red Food Coloring: Creates the iconic vibrant red velvet color.
• White Vinegar: Activates baking soda and adds subtle tanginess to complement buttermilk.

Instructions to Build Red Velvet Cake in a Jar

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt

Whisk everything together until well combined and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant red.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Prepare

Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, you can cut and layer the cake into mason jars for a charming dessert presentation.

Handy Tips for Layering Jar Cakes

• Prevent Color Bleeding: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain vibrant red color without diluting the batter's consistency.
• Enhance Moisture Boost: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt to increase cake's tenderness and prevent dryness while creating richer texture.
• Perfect Layering Technique: Slice cake horizontally into even layers using dental floss or a long serrated knife for clean, professional-looking jar cake presentation.
• Control Sweetness Balance: Reduce sugar slightly and complement with cream cheese frosting for a more balanced, less overwhelming sweetness profile.
• Temperature Precision: Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more consistent cake texture.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cake in a Jar

• Store leftover red velvet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
• Wrap individual cake jar portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, allowing it to return to its original soft texture.
• Warm individual cake portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until slightly heated through, to restore the cake's delightful softness and enhance its rich flavors.

Best Pairings with Red Velvet Jar Cake

• Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel notes that enhance the cake's rich cocoa flavor and balance its sweetness.
• Serve a cold, velvety vanilla bean milkshake that adds luxurious creaminess and complements the cake's soft texture.
• Add a side of fresh raspberry or strawberry compote to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the cake's deep red color and sweet profile.
• Include a dollop of classic cream cheese frosting or a light cream cheese mousse to echo the traditional red velvet cake's iconic topping.

Red Velvet Jar Cake Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour mix. Ensure baking soda is gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water). Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and plant-based oil. Select vegan-friendly red food coloring.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content by half while maintaining cake's moisture with applesauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use coconut oil instead of regular oil. Select dairy-free cream cheese for potential frosting.

Red Velvet Jar Cake Q&A

• What makes red velvet cake different from other cakes?

Red velvet cake has a unique tangy flavor from buttermilk and vinegar, and its distinctive red color comes from food coloring combined with cocoa powder, giving it a subtle chocolate taste.

• Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes, you can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

• Why does the recipe use both vinegar and buttermilk?

The combination of vinegar and buttermilk helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender and light cake texture while adding a subtle tangy flavor that’s characteristic of red velvet cakes.

• Is red food coloring necessary for the recipe?

While red food coloring gives the cake its signature color, you can reduce the amount or use natural alternatives like beet juice if you prefer a more natural approach to achieving the red hue.

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

Red velvet cake in a jar blends Southern charm with modern dessert creativity, offering a delightful twist on classic comfort. Rich cocoa-infused layers nestled in glass bring elegance and portability, inviting dessert enthusiasts to savor each spoonful of pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 grams) 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. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light coat of oil.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. In a separate large mixing vessel, vigorously whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Carefully incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the liquid ingredients, gently folding and stirring until just combined, taking care not to overmix the batter.
5. Transfer the crimson-hued batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
7. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which will help prevent moisture buildup and ensure a perfect texture.
8. After the cake has reached room temperature, proceed with assembling the jar dessert by cutting and layering cake pieces with your preferred frosting or cream.

Notes

• Cocoa Powder Matters: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that enhances the red velvet’s signature taste.
• Buttermilk Swap: No buttermilk? Create a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Food Coloring Alternatives: For a natural red hue, replace artificial food coloring with beet juice or concentrated beet powder, which adds color and subtle earthiness.
• Jar Assembly Tips: Slice cake into clean, even layers and use a round cookie cutter for perfect circular pieces that fit neatly inside mason jars.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg