Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

Imagine a dessert that captures the whimsical essence of a magical beverage. The Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars do just that, transforming the beloved flavors of butterscotch and cream soda into a delightful layered treat, reminiscent of a cozy evening spent in a wizarding world. This recipe is simple yet indulgent, perfect for parties, movie nights, or a sweet treat at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Butterbeer is a fictional drink from the Harry Potter series, loved by both children and adults for its deliciously creamy and sweet flavor profile. Turning Butterbeer into a cake is a clever way to bring a taste of this magical world into your kitchen. These cake jars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly accommodating, allowing you to customize and enjoy them without fuss.

Making individual servings in jars makes this dessert easy to serve at gatherings or family celebrations. The layers of buttery cake and creamy butterscotch frosting make each bite an experience. Whether you’re hosting a themed party or just want to bring a bit of joy to your day, these jars are sure to please.

How to Prepare Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 3.4 oz Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 1/4 cups Cream Soda
• 1 box Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 6 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Cream Soda

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures an even baking process. Grease your baking pan generously to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This aeration incorporates air, creating a light texture in your cake.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. This gradual method helps the eggs incorporate thoroughly, contributing to the overall stability and structure of your cake. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, instant butterscotch pudding mix, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and flavorings, preventing clumps from forming which could lead to uneven texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed mixture, alternating with the cream soda. Start and end with the dry mixture to maintain the cake’s moisture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
7. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.
8. Prepare the Frosting: To make the frosting, begin by beating the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the cream soda, mixing until fully combined and fluffy.
9. Layer the Cake in Jars: Break the cooled cake into small pieces and begin layering in clean jars. Start with a layer of cake, followed by a layer of frosting. Repeat the layers until the jars are full, creating a delightful visual effect.

How to Serve Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

These cake jars can be served in various delightful ways:

• Themed Parties: They are perfect for Harry Potter-themed parties, adding an enchanting touch to the dessert table.
• Movie Nights: Surprise your friends during a movie night with these unique snacks that are easy to enjoy without any mess.
• Gifts: Present these jars as delicious homemade gifts for friends and family. Wrap them with decorative ribbons for a personal touch.
• Celebrations: Serve them at birthdays, weddings, or casual get-togethers. Their attractive presentation makes them a hit.

Pair these cake jars with beverages like hot apple cider or a chilled cream soda to enhance the flavor experience.

How to Store Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

To keep your cake jars fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake jars in the refrigerator. They can last up to five days, thanks to the cream and cake, which both benefit from cooler temperatures.
• Sealing: Ensure the jars are tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake pieces separately and the frosting. Avoid freezing the assembled jars, as the texture may change. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.

Tips for Mastering Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese ensures they blend smoothly, resulting in a consistent batter and frosting.
• Proper Measurements: Measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision, particularly with flour and powdered sugar.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Frosting Consistency: Ensure your frosting is thick enough to hold up in layers. If it is too runny, add extra powdered sugar to thicken it up.
• Avoid Overfilling Jars: Leave some space at the top of the jars to prevent overflowing, particularly when layering.

Variations

Feel free to customize your Butterbeer Cake Jars with these ideas:

• Flavor Alternatives: Use chocolate cake instead of butterscotch for a rich, chocolatey version, or add spices like cinnamon for a warm twist.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Incorporate seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin spice in fall or peppermint in winter for holiday cheer.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute gluten-free flour and sugar alternatives to make this recipe accessible for various dietary needs.
• Decorative Toppings: Top off the jars with crushed toffee bits or sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor contrast.

FAQ

1. Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade butterscotch or vanilla cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just ensure the texture is light and fluffy for optimal layering.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the cake and frosting in advance. Store them separately and assemble the jars on the day you plan to serve them for best freshness.
3. What if I don’t have cream soda?
   If you don’t have cream soda, you can use a mix of lemon-lime soda and a little vanilla extract to mimic the carbonation and sweetness.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
   Yes! If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or incorporate some unsweetened whipped cream to balance the flavors.
5. Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
   The instant pudding mix adds a rich butterscotch flavor and moisture to the cake. However, you can experiment with using a homemade custard instead, just be mindful that it may change the cake’s consistency.

Creating Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars is not only a fun project but also an opportunity to bring a bit of magic to your baking. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Decadent Butterbeer Cake Jars

These delightful dessert jars capture the whimsical essence of Butterbeer, transforming it into a layered treat of cake and creamy butterscotch frosting, perfect for parties or cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Cake

• 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 large Eggs Room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour Accurate measurement recommended
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 3.4 oz Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 1/4 cups Cream Soda Divided use

For the Frosting

• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 8 oz Cream Cheese Room temperature
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature
• 6 cups Powdered Sugar Add more for thicker frosting
• 1/4 cup Cream Soda

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
• In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and stir in vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, instant pudding mix, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the cream soda, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

• Beat the heavy cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
• In another bowl, beat cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth; mix in cream soda.

Assemble Jars

• Break the cooled cake into pieces and layer in jars, starting with cake, followed by frosting until jars are full.

Notes

Store cake jars in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can be frozen separately before assembly. For best results, add decorative toppings like crushed toffee bits.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 240mgSugar: 45g

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