The need can be anything from a new baby to a hospital stay to the loss of a loved one.
The desire on our part is the same, to make life easier for the recipient. To give them a gift of a warm, comforting, homemade meal.
When my church reached out and asked if I could bring a meal to a family that just had their first child I said yes before she could finish talking. Having just have had a baby myself, I know how wonderful a small kind gesture can be!
So in addition to the main grub, I decided to bring them a fun dessert.
I made the six different cakes in jars! They are roughly a single serving each, or if you are like me, they are half a single serving.
Each jar is different and each has its own distinctive frosting.
But here is the fun part.
I made them all from ONE cake recipe.
White Cake
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
4 egg whites
2 cups cake flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine sugar and shortening until well blended. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until light and frothy. (about 3 minutes) Sift baking powder into flour. Add flour to sugar mixture alternating with the milk. Add extract. Gently add egg whites and fold in until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes depending on your stove.
Baking tip specifically for jars:
Add 1/2 cup cake batter to well greased jar and bake at 325 for 35-45 minutes. The goal is to make sure the center is not raw, hence the longer cooking time. Start watching your jar at 30 minutes to make sure you don't over-bake.
Here is how I made six different cakes with one batter!
In every recipe I added the suggested ingredients to 1/2 cup of the plain white cake batter.
(I used this buttercream recipe and Cool Whip for my whipped topping)
Doh! That should totally say PEACH, not peace. Sorry!
This was a fun and easy way to make sure everyone gets something they would like!
I also tied a tag onto each jar describing the contents. I sorta had this vision of the new mom sitting at her kitchen table at 2:00am feeding her baby with every jar open in front of her and shes sampling a little from each one.
Maybe that was less of a vision and more of a fantasy. Cause like, I am still feeding my three month old at 2:00am.
I also added little words of encouragement on the top of each jar... a Bible saying on a couple, "Congrats", "Blessings", easy sayings like that.
This whole project with definitely a labor of love and I felt so privileged that I was able to offer up a small gift!
If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let me stop by and gush over your Dessert for Someone Deserving!
I love this, Amanda!!! So creative and thoughtful! As soon as I can get some jars, we're going to try this! (yes, I mean in like 6 months when my memory returns...babies!) We have loved being showered with meals this last week from friends--it really does mean a lot!
Posted by: Londa | Jul 16, 2011 at 05:59 PM
This is such a smart and thoughtful idea. I may just have a baby so you will bring some to me. ;)
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Amanda
LOVE this idea...so sweet and creative!! Don't feel bad...last night was the very first time that our Karlena slept through the night....she is 3 days shy of 7 months. And I expect this is a fluke and tonight will not be the same! Here's to 2am feedings and the opportunity to spend some time loving on our babes and praying for our friends! :)
Blessings, Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Smith | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:05 PM
such a great idea! love how i recipe can be so versatile!
Posted by: kate | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:06 PM
I bet they were blown away when they saw what you brought them, what a nice thing to do. You are such a kind soul.
Posted by: Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:11 PM
These are so sweet, Amanda! They are such a perfect, thoughtful idea for gifts!
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Not only is the idea of the single serving and the use of one batter for all the different concepts just lovely and fantastic, but the gesture and the kind encouraging words of the personalization of the note on each is just so sweet and kind.
Posted by: Lia | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:21 PM
What a sweet idea and so special to create 6 unique flavors! You really outdid yourself and I am sure the recipient loved every single bite of each cake flavor!
Posted by: Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy. | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:23 PM
This is a great idea. Did you mention the size of jars you used? You have such great cakes& treats on your blog!
Posted by: Patty M | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:32 PM
What a wonderful idea. I like the thought of the mom at the kitchen table sampling because I DEFINITELY would have been doing that! Love the tags on them, too!
Posted by: Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking | Jul 16, 2011 at 06:39 PM
I absolutely LOVE this idea. Those lucky people!
Posted by: Naina | Jul 16, 2011 at 07:13 PM
This is such a unique idea, I've got to try to something like this! Amazing!
Posted by: Mel | Jul 16, 2011 at 07:14 PM
How neat! I really enjoy this idea
Posted by: Erin | Jul 16, 2011 at 07:16 PM
What a GREAT idea to try a few different recipes! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Adrienne | Jul 16, 2011 at 07:20 PM
So amazing and beautiful! I didn't know you could bake the cake right in the jar, I'm going to go buy some now! I wonder if any jar would suffice...I've seen many at Target/Walmart that are super cute.
Posted by: Stephanie | Jul 16, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Gorgeous and such a wonderful idea. And I love the verse written on the top of the lid. One of my favorites. :)
Posted by: Robyn | Add a Pinch | Jul 16, 2011 at 08:24 PM
very charming dessert and very fun presentation.
Posted by: Danee Kaplan | Jul 16, 2011 at 08:27 PM
This is darling!!! I love it, and will certainly borrow this idea from you! Thanks!!
Posted by: Alexandra | Jul 16, 2011 at 09:16 PM
That has got to be one of the sweetest and creative things I have seen in awhile! What a great idea. =D You are one awesome/sweet lady! :)
Posted by: Cassie | Jul 16, 2011 at 09:52 PM
What an awesome idea! I'm going to have to find a reason to make these, not that a really need a reason.
Posted by: Caroline | Jul 16, 2011 at 10:58 PM
I tried to do this at Christmas with sweet dough and vanilla custard (like a pie in a jar). I used the short fat jars. I wish it would have come out as pretty as this, but the ppl I gave them to enjoyed them. Love your idea and will definitely use it in the future.
Posted by: Heidi Reed | Jul 16, 2011 at 10:59 PM
I absolutly love this idea! I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing it...now go get some sleep before you ahve to wake up at 2 :)
Posted by: Jessica Calvarese | Jul 16, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Love these! They look fabulous!
Posted by: Kathleen | Jul 16, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Yum! What a great idea! I wish someone would make these for me. My baby #2 is due end of August! I do most of the baking in my family, so maybe I'll have to make these for myself before I go off to the hospital. ;)
Posted by: Mama Mel | Jul 16, 2011 at 11:45 PM
I love this idea! What a beautiful gift to give someone, so creative and thoughtful:)
Posted by: Amy | Jul 17, 2011 at 01:09 AM
I really want to make these. Partly because I love the idea of baking cakes in jars, partly because they look so cute but mostly because I think it's a beautiful way to say that you care. Your blog is amazing!
Posted by: erin | Jul 17, 2011 at 01:14 AM
WOW this is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this very creative idea.
Posted by: SUZAN | Jul 17, 2011 at 02:42 AM
How lovely. I am sure they have been so happy receiving this. I love the idea!
Posted by: Karin | Jul 17, 2011 at 02:54 AM
Soooo beautiful!! I would be thrilled if someone went to such an effort for me!!
Posted by: At Anna's kitchen table | Jul 17, 2011 at 04:38 AM
Amanda I LOOOOVE this!!! love the idea that you could make several versions all with the same cake batter! and your presentation.....is the BOMBDIGITY! haha!!
Love it!
Posted by: TidyMom | Jul 17, 2011 at 05:13 AM
Love making desserts in my little Ball jars! And really enjoyed reading all the ways you made that cake. Will be trying some for sure!
Posted by: Barbara | Jul 17, 2011 at 07:45 AM
This is such a perfect idea. I love all the different cake flavors!
Posted by: A tablespoon of Liz | Jul 17, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Not being familiar with canning jars, can anyone tell me what size these jars are? Can't wait to try this. Thank you for sharing this great idea. Thanks in advance.
Posted by: Lexy | Jul 17, 2011 at 08:31 AM
Ohmy...just took a break from "work"... :-) ...and was going to see whats new over here.
This post is just amazing, so lovely, so giving,...I am just happy and want to do the same thing to someone right now. This idea is awesome, Amanda.
Love it, I am going to do this, you will hear from me :-)))
Much love and many blessings..
niner
Posted by: niner from wechooseorganic.com | Jul 17, 2011 at 08:49 AM
do these keep for awhile or do you have to eat them right away? I made "cake in the jar" once to send to my son overseas and sealed with the canning lids and they supposedly would stay fresh for a long time. (for his 21st birthday)
Posted by: Anne London | Jul 17, 2011 at 09:39 AM
You are too much, Amanda! I'm sure you made this new mom feel so special!
Posted by: Sue | Jul 17, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Is there a certain size jar to use??? Can't wait to make these.
Posted by: Jamie Bates | Jul 17, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I AM JUST STARTING TO BAKE AT THE RIPE OLD AGE OF 50+. SINCE I'M A NEW-BE - COULD I USE A PRE-PACKAGED CAKE MIX TO MAKE THE CAKES IN A JAR?...THIER SO CUTE..
Posted by: PEGGY | Jul 17, 2011 at 11:26 AM
WOW - They all look amazing AMANDA! You are a kind soul and I am certain the recipent of these did sample each one! Thanks for sharing! I love your blog, it is so inspiring to me!
Posted by: sweet flour girl | Jul 17, 2011 at 01:11 PM
This is just the most fabulous idea ive seen in a long time! The blueberry one especially is calling my name! I love the clear way you laid out the post too, its just a gorgeous post entirely! Just to let you know you made a spelling mistake in the title of the peach cake recipe, i thought i should point it out cos if i was you i would want to know - please dont think im nit picking or anything!! Lovely post indeed :)
Posted by: Sasha @ The Procrastobaker | Jul 17, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Wow! I'm so impressed! The lady with the new baby must have been floored!
Posted by: Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) | Jul 17, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Wow, that's such a cool idea! I wonder if there is some way we can incorporate that over at www.bellyful.org.nz
Posted by: Jacqui | Jul 17, 2011 at 04:44 PM
These are wonderful! My mom ended up with a ton of extra jars, so I might break into her stash!
Would you recommend doing them ahead and freezing?
Posted by: Shiann | Jul 17, 2011 at 04:57 PM
this is such a marvelous idea...thank you so much for sharing this...i definitely need to try this....
Posted by: joanne nixon | Jul 17, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Love this idea...but really need to know what size jar...don't want to end up with a burnt mess!! So glad I found your blog!
Posted by: Kelly W | Jul 17, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Great idea! I love it, so vreative, thoughtful and they all look YUMMY!
Posted by: cluttercafe | Jul 17, 2011 at 05:36 PM
I just LOVE this idea! WHat a special treat! Is it greedy to think I wish someone would make this for me? lol I guess I'm just going to have to try my hand at it sometime. Just genious!
Posted by: Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen | Jul 17, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Such a beautiful gift to receive - lovely work. And I love the verse you wrote on the lid, a fave related to my 2nd born.
Posted by: Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles | Jul 17, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Are the egg whites just egg whites or do they need to be whipped to soft peaks?
Posted by: Erin | Jul 17, 2011 at 07:06 PM
AlthoughI dont have those jars in my possession anymore, I am fairly certain they were PINT sized jars. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | Jul 17, 2011 at 08:07 PM