4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

Name: 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix White; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 3 eggs; 1 cup water; red food coloring; blue food coloring; 16 oz Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting Classic White; red, white and blue sprinkles assorted

Author: Lora

Published: June 24, 2025

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Introduction to 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

As the 4th of July approaches, I can’t help but feel the excitement in the air! This year, I wanted to create something quick, festive, and fun to celebrate Independence Day with my family. That’s when I stumbled upon this delightful idea: a 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert! It’s colorful, delicious, and makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Plus, it’s perfect for busy moms like us who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; this dessert will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

This 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert is a game-changer for busy moms and professionals. It’s quick and easy to make, taking just under an hour from start to finish. The layers of vibrant cake and creamy frosting create a taste sensation that delights every palate. Plus, it’s perfect for portion control, so you can serve just the right amount for everyone while keeping the festive spirit alive!

Ingredients for 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

Gathering the right ingredients is like preparing for a culinary adventure. For this 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert, here’s what you’ll need:

Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix White: This classic mix offers a light texture that perfectly complements the layers of this festive dessert.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake, ensuring each bite is soft and fluffy.
Eggs: They work as a binder, giving structure while making the cake rich and fluffy.
Water: A simple addition that helps activate the cake mix, bringing your batter to life.
Red and Blue Food Coloring: These vibrant colors are key to achieving the all-American look of this dessert. Feel free to adjust the shades to match your style!
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Frosting Classic White: This frosting elevates your dessert into a showstopper with its creamy and sweet finishing touch.
Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles: The finishing touch! They add that burst of color and a festive flair, making each jar a visual treat.

You’ll find exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, so be sure to check there for printing. Happy baking!

How to Make 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this festive 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert! Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and the kids will love getting involved too. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something magical.

Prepare the Cake Mixture

First things first, let’s prepare that cake mixture! Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the entire box of Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix. Add in the vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix everything together until it’s a smooth batter—no lumps allowed! But wait, here’s the fun part: divide that batter into two separate bowls. We’re going to add some color!

In one bowl, add your red food coloring. In the other, add the blue food coloring. Mix well until you achieve your preferred shade; vibrant colors equal a festive dessert! You might feel like a kid in art class, and it’s just a blast to see those colors come to life.

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box—usually 350°F works wonders. Once the oven is hot, pour the red batter into cupcake liners. Fill them halfway to allow room for rising. Do the same with the blue batter. Bake them according to the package directions, usually around 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing in no time!

Crumble the Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are baked, let them cool completely. Patience is key, especially if you want those delightful layers! Once they’re cool, gently crumble the blue cupcakes into one bowl and tear the red ones into another. The texture should be like fluffy snowdrifts—light and airy. This is where we’re duplicating that rainbow effect in our jars!

Assemble the Jars

Now comes the creative part: assembling your masterpiece! Grab a mason jar and start with a layer of blue cake crumbles at the bottom. About an inch deep is perfect. Next, take your white frosting and pipe a thick line around the inside edge of the jar. This will create a lovely, creamy barrier between the cake layers. Then, add a layer of red cake crumbles, just like before, making it about an inch thick as well.

Repeat the process: frosting edge, blue crumbles, frosting, red crumbles, and so on until you reach the top rim of the jar. Your layers will create a stunning visual, and your family won’t be able to resist peeking in!

Top with Frosting and Sprinkles

Finally, for the pièce de resistance: pipe a generous layer of white frosting on top of your layered creation. This adds sweetness and a beautiful finish. Don’t forget to decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles, giving it that final patriotic touch. Trust me, these will make each jar look Instagram-worthy!

And just like that, you have your colorful, festive 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert! It’s as simple as pie—or should I say, cake?

Tips for Success

Make sure your cupcakes are completely cooled before crumbling them to avoid sticky messes.
For a fun twist, experiment with different cake flavors—chocolate or lemon can be a hit!
Use piping bags for easy frosting application—this makes layering a breeze.
Feel free to customize the sprinkles according to your theme; there’s no limit to creativity!
Prepare these jars a day in advance for easier entertaining on the big day.

Equipment Needed

Mason Jars: Use any clear jars or cups for a chic look.
Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing cake batter; smaller bowls for coloring.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: Whisk works well, but an electric mixer speeds things up!
Piping Bags or Baggies: Easily create beautifully frosted layers—no fancy tools needed!
Oven and Baking Tray: Required for cupcake baking; a regular tray does the job perfectly.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Twist: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). Change the frosting to a vegan brand for a delightful plant-based treat.
Flavor Fun: Swap the white cake mix for lemon or chocolate cake for a new flavor experience. The vibrant colors will still shine through!
Mini Jars: Make smaller portions in mini mason jars for a fun twist on serving sizes, perfect for kids or as party favors.
Fruit Layer: Add a layer of fresh berries or fruit puree between the cake crumbles for an added burst of flavor and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Ice Cream: Serve each jar with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra creamy treat.
Summer Drinks: Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or a refreshing berry-infused water for a seasonal touch.
Presentation: Display jars on a festive platter, garnished with fresh fruit or flowers for that extra pop.
Fireworks Viewing: Enjoy these jars while watching fireworks for a deliciously fun evening.
Share the Joy: Encourage friends to create their own customized jars for a fun bake-off party!

FAQs about 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert

Can I make the 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day in advance. Just store the jars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a perfect, stress-free option for busy moms wanting to enjoy the holiday.

How do I store leftovers of the 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert?
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t stick around for long!

Can I use different types of frosting?
Of course! Feel free to swap the Pillsbury Classic White frosting for chocolate, cream cheese, or even a fun flavored frosting. Each option will lend its own unique twist to this festive dessert.

How can I achieve brighter colors for my cake layers?
To make the colors pop, don’t be shy with the food coloring! Start with a few drops, then mix until you get your desired hue. You’ll want those red and blue layers to shine just as vibrantly as the holiday spirit!

Is this dessert suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids can get involved by helping with the crumbling of the cupcakes, layering the jars, and sprinkling the fun toppings. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories in the kitchen together!

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this delightful 4th of July Cake in a Jar Dessert, I can’t help but smile at how it brings joy to our celebrations. The vibrant layers and creamy frosting transform into a colorful symbol of festivity, evoking laughter and togetherness. Whether you’re preparing it for a backyard barbecue or a cozy family gathering, each jar tells a story of love and creativity. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the mess, and let the simple act of baking create delicious memories together. Here’s to celebrating our freedom with sweet treats that unite us all!