Jar Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful orange-infused cake baked directly from a jar, perfect for quick snacks or casual gatherings, appealing with its citrus aroma and simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Shake 2 eggs in a jar.
  2. Add sugar, oil, and orange juice to the jar. Shake well.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the jar.
  4. Shake until the batter is smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a baking dish or keep in the jar if oven-safe.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier cake, separate the eggs and whip the egg whites before folding them into the batter. You can substitute the orange juice with lemon juice or even yogurt for a different flavor profile. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or mix in chocolate chips for extra richness. This jar cake is a fun twist on traditional American recipes that can be customized easily.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the jar cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, to enhance the citrus flavor. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside Individual Raspberry Cheesecakes for a variety of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover jar cake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. If you've baked it in a jar, ensure it's oven-safe before reheating in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jar Cake contains roughly 812 calories, with 15g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

812 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.1g 30% DV
Total Fat 28.2g 36% DV
Carbs 124.8g 45% DV
Fiber 4.6g 16% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 808.7mg 35% DV
Potassium 366.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Calcium 358.2mg 28% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as a substitute for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients while maintaining moisture in the cake.

What if I don’t have orange juice?

If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of any other citrus juice, like grapefruit or lemon juice. Alternatively, using a flavored soda or even milk can work, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile of the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Start checking around the 20-minute mark, as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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