Bakers, I need help! =D

kara811

I know there are bakers here like Sami and Beach! I would love it if you ladies can help me out with Cake In A Jar? Has anyone here made it before?

I have never even heard of it until I discovered this board and now I would really love to try it out and send H some since he's underway. He's never heard of it either and he thinks it would be very cool if I did it for him! 

Where should I buy the mason jars? All I've seen at the grocery store are the big box/trays of it. Is there any place I can get them in singles? Also what is the best way to make it? What kind of cake should I use? How do I go about mailing it, for example aren't glassware not allowed when mailing? People at the Post Office always ask me questions like if there's anything breakable or whatever. Any help would be awesome! TIA!

sofiabrian

what a great idea!! I googled "cake in a jar" (or something like that) and found this website.

http://awtr.blogspot.com/2007/09/cake-in-jar.html

It's doesn't answer the questions about glassware, but helpful about type of cake and how to make it. 

I wandered through an antique store and there were TONS of single mason jars. That is one suggestion. 

megmac24

I actually JUST sent a box full of them to my FI! I used the same website that the PP linked for directions.

As far as what kind of mason jars I used...I bought a box of wide mouthed jars at Target for 10 bucks. It comes with 12 jars. I figured what I didn't use for cakes I could save for a future deployment or even use as drinking glasses. I used boxed funfetti cake mix. (My FI's favorite.) They turned out perfectly! To send them I wrapped them in LOTS of bubble wrap.  

firsttimersluck

One of the easiest things in the WORLD to make! Promise! The only thing is... They now claim that cooking in the oven allows some bacteria in there that could be bad when they eat it a few weeks later, and suggest now to cook it on the stove top via boiling water... Just thought I would let you KNOW that so you're aware, however I said screw that, and made it in the oven.. They turned out incredible :]

SamiJoeB

You can buy jars at the grocery store, or a Walmart for $15.68 (FTL.. I googled again), but I think the wide mouth jars work the best (the ones that Meg mentioned at Target). I think I've gotten them at like a dollar general (is that just a southern thing?) haha.. I know you can usually find the actual Jars at a goodwill, or salvation army, but it can be hard to find lids, the seals you can get at the grocery store as well.

Use any kind of boxed cake mix, I think I read something about chocolate mixes doing better, or maybe that was the other way around? haha.. I think funfetti would be fun!! I've read the stuff FTL was talking about with the bacteria, but I've only heard of like 2 people that actually happening to. Don't forget the frosting!!!!

When you ship them, use lots of bubble wrap!!! Lots and lots of bubble wrap! I like to use fabric remnants to decorate my jars with.. but I'm an over achiever like that. Let us know how it turns out!!! I want to see pictures!!! FTL and I LOOVVEEE Pictures!!!


Seeeeeeee, Picture!! Me and my Chickens!!

iluvmytxrgr

You can use any box cake mix. MH prefers chocolate or carrott cake.  Just ship it wrapped in lots of bubble wrap and don't forget the can of frosting. 

kara811

Thanks for the help ladies! So when I fill out the customs forms, should I put in Cake in a Jar for it? 

While googling, I found a site that actually especializes in it and ordered H 3 different kinds from them, but I am still going to try to do this. At least I have back up if they don't turn out well for me! lol 

@Sami: Love that picture! Your chickens look big! I will try and get it done soon so I can take pics and see how they turn out! 

iluvmytxrgr

When I send them to J, I just put snacks or cakes on there.  You don't have to be specific. 

SamiJoeB

haha.. I'm never specific on customs forms. I hate Hate HATE filling them out, because it takes the surprise out of the packages!!! And I LOOVEE surprises!!!

firsttimersluck

haha I agree Sami! I tell Fi to not look, and he is pretty good about it because he loves surprises. I usually just put toys, preserved snacks, etc... So it's vague:P

kara811

Lol. I never fill them out correctly either, I hate filling that stuff out. I've just never sent anything in a jar before and I know how they always ask if you have glass in there or anything breakable. lol