This Easter Cake Jar Recipe is a fun, colorful, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for Easter celebrations, spring parties, or gifting! Featuring layers of soft cake, creamy frosting, and festive pastel colors, these portable, single-serving treats are as delicious as they are adorable.
The best part? They’re completely customizable and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients for Easter Cake Jars
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pastel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green, or purple)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pastel food coloring (optional)
Assembly & Decoration:
- 6 small mason jars (8 oz each)
- Easter sprinkles
- Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&M’s
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet or cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Round cookie cutter (to fit jars)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or cake pans.
- Prepare white cake mix according to package instructions, adding vanilla extract if desired.
2. Color the Cake Batter
- Divide the batter into 3-4 separate bowls.
- Tint each with a different pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, green, etc.).
3. Bake & Cool
- Pour each colored batter in separate sections of a baking sheet or bake in different pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (or as directed on the box).
- Let cool completely before assembling.
4. Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy.
- (Optional) Divide and tint the frosting to match the cake layers.
5. Assemble the Cake Jars
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cake circles.
- Place one cake circle at the bottom of each jar.
- Pipe or spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Repeat layers until the jar is full.
- Top with Easter sprinkles and mini chocolate eggs.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Seal jars with lids or serve immediately with spoons!
Expert Tips for the Best Easter Cake Jars
Use gel food coloring – Creates vibrant pastels without altering the batter texture.
Let cake cool completely – Prevents frosting from melting.
Layer neatly – A piping bag makes assembling cleaner and easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking the cake – Check at 20 minutes to prevent dryness.
Using too much frosting – Keeps layers balanced and not overly sweet.
Not chilling before serving – Helps flavors meld and frosting set properly.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in cute mason jars with ribbon for gifting.
- Add bunny or chick-shaped candies for extra Easter fun.
- Pair with a pastel-colored drink like pink lemonade.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead Tip:
- Bake the cake a day ahead and assemble before serving.
Freezing:
- Freeze cake layers without frosting for up to 2 months.
- Thaw, then assemble with fresh frosting.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it chocolate – Use a chocolate cake mix for a fun twist.
- Try cream cheese frosting – Adds a rich, tangy contrast.
- Use cupcakes instead – Cut mini cake layers from baked cupcakes.
What to Serve with Easter Cake Jars
- A fresh fruit platter for a refreshing contrast
- Pastel sugar cookies for an Easter dessert table
- Vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Yes! A homemade vanilla cake works perfectly.
Do I need to refrigerate cake jars?
Yes, if not serving immediately, store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I make mini cake jars?
Use smaller jars (4 oz) and cut smaller cake circles for bite-sized treats!
Conclusion
These Easter Cake Jars are fun, festive, and easy-to-make desserts that are perfect for Easter celebrations! With their vibrant layers, creamy frosting, and adorable decorations, they’re sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun holiday desserts!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 350 kcal per jar (based on 6 servings)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
PrintEaster Cake Jars – Fun, Colorful & Easy!
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
These Easter Cake Jars are soft, colorful, and layered with creamy frosting! A fun, festive dessert perfect for spring celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pastel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green, or purple)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pastel food coloring (optional)
For Assembly & Decoration:
- 6 small mason jars (8 oz each)
- Easter sprinkles
- Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&M’s
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or cake pans.
- Prepare white cake mix according to package instructions, adding vanilla extract if desired.
2. Color the Cake Batter
- Divide the batter into 3-4 separate bowls.
- Tint each with a different pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, green, etc.).
3. Bake & Cool
- Pour each colored batter in separate sections of a baking sheet or bake in different pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (or as directed on the box).
- Let cool completely before assembling.
4. Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy.
- (Optional) Divide and tint the frosting to match the cake layers.
5. Assemble the Cake Jars
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cake circles.
- Place one cake circle at the bottom of each jar.
- Pipe or spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Repeat layers until the jar is full.
- Top with Easter sprinkles and mini chocolate eggs.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Seal jars with lids or serve immediately with spoons!
Notes
✔ Use gel food coloring – Creates vibrant pastels without altering the batter texture.
✔ Let cake cool completely – Prevents frosting from melting.
✔ Layer neatly – A piping bag makes assembling cleaner and easier.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: DESSERT
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350