Chocolate Cherry Cake in a Jar is a delightful and portable dessert that features layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping. Served in individual jars, this cute and indulgent treat is perfect for a party, picnic, or a special occasion. With its charming presentation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Cherry Cake in a Jar is not only a delicious dessert but also a fun and unique way to serve cake. The layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy cherry filling, and light, fluffy whipped topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The individual jars make it easy to serve and enjoy, whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering. Plus, it’s a visually appealing treat that adds a touch of elegance to any event.
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
For the cherry filling:
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries cooked with sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
For the whipped topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- Fresh cherries (for decoration)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Bake the chocolate cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the box instructions or your homemade chocolate cake recipe.
- Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to the recipe’s instructions. Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the cherry filling:
- If using canned cherry pie filling, simply open the can and set it aside.
- If using fresh cherries, cook them with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until they release their juice. Thicken the mixture with cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Allow it to cool.
- Whip the topping:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the jars:
- Cut the cooled chocolate cake into small cubes.
- Layer the cake cubes, cherry filling, and whipped topping in small jars. Start with cake, add a layer of cherry filling, then top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers to fill the jars.
- Garnish and serve:
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of each jar.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry on top for a finishing touch.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. These individual jars are perfect for sharing or gifting!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 jars
- Calories: 350 kcal per jar
Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or make your own gluten-free chocolate cake from scratch.
- Different fruit filling: Swap out the cherries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a different flavor combination.
- Vegan option: Substitute the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream and use a dairy-free cake mix to make this dessert vegan.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can stay fresh, but the whipped topping is best served within a day or two.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, but if you want a warm version, you can microwave the cake portion for a few seconds before serving. Just be sure to add the whipped cream afterward.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the jars when ready to serve. Just keep the components separately stored in the fridge.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or canned fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different twist on the filling.
3. How do I make the whipped cream from scratch?
To make whipped cream from scratch, simply whip together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Make sure the bowl and beaters are cold for best results.
4. Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Yes, homemade chocolate cake works perfectly! Just make sure the texture is light and moist to balance out the layers.
5. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure the cherry filling is gluten-free (most canned cherry pie fillings are, but it’s always good to double-check).
6. Can I freeze the chocolate cherry cakes?
You can freeze the cake layers separately, but the whipped topping should be added fresh before serving. Freeze the cake portions and cherry filling for up to 2 months.
7. How do I serve this at a party?
These individual jars are perfect for party settings, as they are portable, easy to serve, and give each guest a personal dessert. Just make sure to garnish them before serving.
8. Can I make these jars without the chocolate syrup?
Yes, the chocolate syrup is optional, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness and extra chocolate flavor to the dessert. Feel free to omit it or replace it with a drizzle of fruit syrup.
9. What size jars should I use?
Mini mason jars or small glass jars work perfectly for this dessert. You can also use any small container that holds about 1/2 cup of dessert.
10. Can I use whipped topping from a can instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the cake and cherries.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Cake in a Jar is a charming and delicious dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or any special occasion. The combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping is sure to delight your guests. Plus, the individual jar servings make it easy to enjoy this indulgent treat on the go or share with others. With its cute presentation and mouthwatering flavor, this dessert will quickly become a favorite!
Chocolate Cherry Cake in a Jar
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 jars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful, portable dessert that layers moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping. Served in individual jars, this cute and indulgent treat is perfect for a party, picnic, or a special occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries cooked with sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- Fresh cherries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake: Preheat your oven according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe for chocolate cake. Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to the recipe’s instructions. Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the cherry filling: If using canned cherry pie filling, simply open and set it aside. If using fresh cherries, cook them with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until they release their juice, then thicken with cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Let it cool.
- Whip the topping: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the jars: Cut the cooled chocolate cake into small cubes. Layer the cake cubes, cherry filling, and whipped topping in small jars. Start with cake, add cherry filling, then top with whipped cream. Repeat the layers to fill the jars.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of each jar. Garnish with a fresh cherry on top for a finishing touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- This dessert is great for parties and can be made ahead of time, then refrigerated until ready to serve.
- If you don’t have jars, you can assemble the dessert in small cups or bowls.
- You can use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream for a quicker version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
