Name: Red Velvet Cake Jars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Red Velvet Cake: All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for the base.; Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.; Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp, for a hint of chocolate flavor.; Baking soda: 1 tsp, to help the cake rise.; Salt: 1/2 tsp, to enhance flavor.; Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature, for a moist crumb.; Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup, for moistness.; Large eggs: 2, for structure.; Red food coloring: 1 tbsp, for the classic red hue.; Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.; White vinegar: 1 tsp, to activate the baking soda.; Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for a creamy layer.; Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for richness.; Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness.; Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.; Caramel Sauce: Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.; Water: 1/4 cup, to start the caramel.; Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, for a rich caramel.; Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp, for smoothness.; Salt: 1/4 tsp, to enhance the caramel flavor.; Pecan Topping: Chopped pecans: 1 cup, for crunch.; Butter: 1 tbsp, to toast the pecans.; Brown sugar: 2 tbsp, to coat the pecans.

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars are a delightful treat that combines layers of moist red velvet cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy toasted pecans, all in one jar. This dessert is perfect for parties, special events, or simply enjoying at home. Each bite offers a sweet blend of flavors and textures, making these jars a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic red velvet dessert.

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining layers of moist cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel, and toasted pecans in a portable jar. This layered dessert is perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a thoughtful gift. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a sweet and satisfying treat.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for the cake base
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness
Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp, for a hint of chocolate
Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening
Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance flavors
Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature, for moisture
Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup, for moistness
Large eggs: 2, for structure
Red food coloring: 1 tbsp, for the signature red color
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
White vinegar: 1 tsp, to activate the baking soda
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the frosting
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for the frosting
Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness in the frosting
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the frosting
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for the caramel
Water: 1/4 cup, to start the caramel
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, for a rich caramel
Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp, for smoothness in the caramel
Salt: 1/4 tsp, to enhance the caramel flavor
Chopped pecans: 1 cup, for crunch
Butter: 1 tbsp, to toast the pecans
Brown sugar: 2 tbsp, to coat the pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then combine them. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and cut into circles.
Step 2:: Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth to make the frosting.
Step 3:: For the caramel, heat sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches an amber color. Add heavy cream, butter, and salt, stirring until smooth.
Step 4:: Melt butter in a skillet, add chopped pecans and brown sugar, and stir until coated and toasted.
Step 5:: Layer red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, and toasted pecans in jars. Repeat the layers, finishing with caramel and pecans on top.
Step 6:: Refrigerate the assembled jars for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful Notes

For a richer caramel flavor, let the sugar reach a deep amber color before adding the cream.
Use jar lids to cut the cake into perfect circles that fit the jars.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel layer can enhance the sweetness and balance flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

These Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars are a perfect blend of moist cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and ideal for individual servings.

How to Make Ahead and Store

The jars can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used to save time.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Ensure that the caramel is added to the jars while still warm.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes, walnuts can be used as an alternative to pecans.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, buttercream or whipped cream frosting can be used instead of cream cheese frosting.

Summary

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars offer a creative way to enjoy the classic red velvet flavor in a convenient, portable dessert. The layers consist of moist red velvet cake, rich cream cheese frosting, sweet caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans, all stacked in individual jars. Each component is carefully prepared: the red velvet cake is baked to tender perfection, the frosting is whipped to creamy fluffiness, the caramel is cooked until it reaches a rich, amber hue, and the pecans are toasted with butter and brown sugar for added sweetness. These cake jars are perfect for serving at parties, events, or as a treat to share with family and friends.