Father's Day Cake in a Jar
Looking for a homemade Father's Day gift that's as fun to make as it is to eat? This Father's Day Cake in a Jar is a simple sponge cake layered with buttercream, jam and sprinkles inside a glass jar, then finished with a handmade gift tag.
It's like a mini celebration cake and card all in one!
Perfect for children to help assemble, these cute cake jars make a thoughtful gift for dads, grandads, stepdads and father figures.
Makes 4-6 Cake Jars
For the Sponge Cake
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Buttercream
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Filling & Decorating
- 6 tbsp strawberry or raspberry jam
- Sprinkles of your choice
- 4-6 clean glass jars with lids
- Gift tags
- String or ribbon
Method
Step 1: Bake the Sponge
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Grease and line a rectangular baking tin (approximately 20cm x 30cm).
- Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the self-raising flour until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
- Leave to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Buttercream
- Beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the icing sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk.
- Beat until pale, fluffy and spreadable.
Step 3: Create the Cake Layers
- Wash and dry your jars thoroughly.
- Use the opening of the jar as a guide and carefully cut circles from the cooled sponge cake.
- Depending on the size of your jars, you should be able to cut several sponge rounds.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake Jars
- Place one sponge circle into the bottom of each jar.
- Add a spoonful of buttercream.
- Add a small spoonful of jam.
- Repeat the layers until the jar is nearly full.
- Finish with a swirl of buttercream.
- Decorate with colourful sprinkles.
The layers look beautiful through the glass and make a lovely surprise when the lid is opened.
Step 5: Add a Father's Day Gift Tag
Cut out a simple gift tag from card and let children decorate it with drawings, stickers or messages.
Try one of these messages:
- Happy Father's Day!
- World's Best Dad
- You're My Hero
- Thanks for Everything, Dad
- Made With Love
Tie the tag around the jar using string or ribbon for the finishing touch.
Craft & Crumb Top Tip
Want to make your cake jars extra special? Add sprinkles, mini chocolate buttons or Father's Day themed decorations between the layers.
These cake jars can be made the day before gifting and stored in the fridge overnight.
A Father's Day Gift Made With Love
Store-bought gifts are lovely, but there's something extra special about a gift made by little hands. These Father's Day Cake Jars combine baking, creativity and thoughtful gifting into one simple activity that's sure to make Dad smile.
If you make these at home, we'd love to see them. Tag @craft_crumb and share your Father's Day creations with us