Rainbow Cake in a Jar

I'm always on the lookout for new baking ideas and this one from The Family Kitchen on Babble really caught my eye! After thinking about it, canning jars can be boiled, filled with hot liquid, etc. so why not be able to put them in the oven.

This recipe is for 1 pint canning jars and only makes three for one cake mix which seems like a lot of cake for one serving. I think I would be more inclined to use 1/2 pint jars instead and adjust the baking time.

The recipe is simple. Make a white cake mix per the directions on the box. Divide it into bowls and color each bowl with the colors you want to use. Make sure you use enough color to make your batter really bright. I suggest using gel colors instead of the food color you purchase in the grocery store. You'll get more vibrant colors using much less color.

Spray the inside of your jar with nonstick spray before layering your batter. Fill the jars approximately halfway with batter, place in a shallow pan filled 1/4 in. of water and bake in a preheated 350° oven. The time will depend on what size jars you use. The pint jars take about 40 min. so if you use the 1/2 pint jars, I would suggest checking them after 20 minutes. Cool completely and then remove the top 1/4" of crust, frost and add sprinkles. If you won't be serving these right away, just cool, put the cap on the jar and refrigerate. You can add frosting and sprinkles later.

I can see using these cute little jars for so many different get-togethers. Decorate with complimentary colored ribbon and little thank you tags for a baby or bridal shower. Add a tag with the guest's name and use at each place setting for a holiday party....let your imagination run wild!

If you have an opportunity to try this project, let me know. I may try them for my next party! I'll keep you posted.