This viral jar cake recipe has taken the world by storm, and for good reason! These individual portion cakes are incredibly simple to make, requiring just basic pantry ingredients and glass jars. Whether you choose the refreshing coconut lemon version or the rich chocolate variety, these steamed cakes come out perfectly fluffy and moist every time. Perfect for portion control and gift-giving, these delightful treats prove that the best recipes are often the simplest ones.
Ingredients
For Coconut Lemon Cake (per jar):
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (25g / 0.9 oz) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) whole milk
- 2 heaping tablespoons (30g / 1.1 oz) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon (8g / 0.3 oz) coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon (4g / 0.1 oz) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of fresh lemon zest
- 6-7 drops fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips (optional)
For Chocolate Cake (per jar):
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (25g / 0.9 oz) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (25g / 0.9 oz) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon (8g / 0.3 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (4g / 0.1 oz) baking powder
- 1 tablespoon dark or milk chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture
Crack one egg into each clean glass jar. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to each jar and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of oil into each jar. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Flavor Components
For Lemon Cake: Add 6-7 drops of fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and coconut flakes to designated jars. For Chocolate Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to designated jars.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add 2 tablespoons of sifted flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to each jar.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Secure the jar lids tightly and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Add Optional Toppings
Remove lids and sprinkle chocolate chips or melted chocolate on top of each batter if desired.
Step 7: Prepare for Steaming
Place the open jars in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it reaches close to the jar lids, but not covering them.
Step 8: Steam the Cakes
Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for exactly 20 minutes. The cakes will rise and become fluffy during cooking.
Step 9: Remove and Cool
Carefully remove the hot jars using tongs or jar lifters. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
The cakes can be eaten directly from the jars or turned out onto plates. Serve warm for the best texture.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 1 cake per jar (recipe multiplies easily)
Nutrition (Per Jar)
Lemon Coconut: Calories: 285 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g
Chocolate: Calories: 295 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g
Why This Jar Cake Recipe is Perfect for Everyone
These individual jar cakes offer excellent portion control while providing the satisfaction of having your own personal dessert. The steaming method creates incredibly moist cakes without the need for an oven, making this recipe accessible to everyone. The eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, while the simple ingredients make these cakes budget-friendly. The individual serving sizes help prevent overindulgence, and the glass jars make them perfect for gifting or meal prep. The recipe’s versatility allows for endless flavor combinations, and the quick cooking time makes it ideal for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.