The Cutest Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars Recipe

Crafting delectable mini red velvet caramel pecan cake jars sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Sweet layers of rich crimson cake nestle perfectly between creamy caramel swirls.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that surprises and delights taste buds.

Compact glass jars make these treats portable and elegant for any gathering.

Small desserts often pack massive flavor, and this recipe proves that point brilliantly.

Compact yet luxurious, these individual servings invite everyone to savor each decadent spoonful.

Whip up these charming little masterpieces and watch smiles spread across faces.

Ways to Personalize Cake Jar Fillings

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same rich red velvet taste.
  • Vegan Celebration: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based frosting, use plant-based butter, and swap eggs with flax eggs for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans and use sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, maintaining the jar's textural appeal.
  • Low-Sugar Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calories while preserving the dessert's indulgent flavor profile.

Presentation Ideas for Mini Cake Jars

Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these mini cake jars with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.

Elegant Presentation Idea: Serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint sprigs and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a gorgeous display.

Party Potential: Perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or holiday gatherings – guests will love individual portable desserts that look professionally crafted.

Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared one day in advance and stored in refrigerator, making event planning super convenient and stress-free.

How to Store Cake Jars for Freshness

  • Store sealed cake jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual jars in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Microwave individual jars for 15-20 seconds on low power to slightly warm cake and soften caramel. Check temperature to avoid overheating.
  • Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow caramel and frosting to soften naturally and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this dessert?

The key flavors are rich red velvet cake, tangy cream cheese frosting, sweet caramel sauce, and nutty toasted pecans, creating a decadent and indulgent dessert experience.

  • Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Yes, these mini cake jars are perfect for parties, birthdays, or potlucks because they’re individually portioned, visually appealing, and easy to serve.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble the jars up to 2 days before serving, making it a convenient dessert for planning ahead.

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars Irresistible Features

  • Savor Layered Delights: These mini red velvet caramel pecan cake jars offer a stunning visual and flavor experience with perfectly balanced, decadent layers that look like edible art.
  • Customize with Ease: Prep each component separately and assemble quickly, making these jars perfect for advance preparation and adaptable to personal taste preferences.
  • Wow Guests Instantly: Individual serving sizes create an impressive dessert that feels elegant and sophisticated, perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or special celebrations.
  • Indulge Multiple Textures: Each spoonful delivers a delightful combination of soft red velvet cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans for a sensational taste adventure.

List of Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Jars

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor and deep red color to the cake.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color to the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and provide moisture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains soft and tender.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist cake texture.
Frosting Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
Caramel Sauce:
  • Granulated Sugar, Water: The primary ingredients for creating caramel.
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Salt: Provide richness, smoothness, and balanced flavor to the caramel.
Topping:
  • Pecans, Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and crunchy toasted pecan topping for the cake jars.

Steps for Assembling Caramel Pecan Cake Jars

Step 1: Bake Delightful Red Velvet Cake

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
In another bowl, blend the wet ingredients:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Eggs
  • Red food coloring
  • Vinegar
  • Vanilla extract

Combine the wet and dry mixtures until smooth.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Once golden and perfectly baked, let the cake cool completely.

Use a round cookie cutter to create neat cake circles.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Grab your mixer and beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture becomes fluffy and silky smooth.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.

Heat slowly until the mixture turns a beautiful amber color.

Carefully stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Pinch of salt

Continue stirring until the caramel becomes glossy and uniform.

Step 4: Toast Crunchy Pecan Clusters

Melt butter in a skillet.

Toss in:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar

Stir continuously until pecans are golden brown and perfectly coated.

Step 5: Create Stunning Cake Jar Layers

Select clear glass jars.

Begin layering your masterpiece:
  • Red velvet cake circle
  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Caramel sauce
  • Toasted pecans

Repeat the layers, ending with a spectacular drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of pecans on top.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled jars for at least one hour.

This allows the flavors to mingle and the layers to set perfectly.

Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Mini Red Velvet Cake Success

  • Use room temperature ingredients to create a softer, more tender red velvet cake with perfect texture.
  • Watch the sugar carefully while caramelizing to prevent burning, stirring gently and removing from heat when it reaches a deep amber color.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted for the smoothest, lump-free frosting consistency.
  • Keep pecans moving in the skillet to prevent burning and achieve an even, golden-brown roast with maximum flavor.
  • These cake jars can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
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Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent mini red velvet caramel pecan cake jars bring luxurious layers of rich chocolate and sweet caramel to dessert lovers. Sweet Southern charm meets gourmet elegance in these portable, individually crafted treats you can savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cake Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease coating. Thoroughly blend the dry ingredients in one mixing vessel, then combine with the wet ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring a consistent golden-brown texture. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before carefully cutting into precise circular shapes.
  3. Create the cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture achieves a light, fluffy consistency with no visible lumps.
  4. Craft the caramel sauce by slowly heating sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Watch carefully until the mixture transforms into a rich amber color. Gently incorporate heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes silky and uniform.
  5. Toast the pecans by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the nuts become golden and fragrant, with a crisp caramelized coating.
  6. Construct the cake jars by layering cake circles, cream cheese frosting, warm caramel sauce, and toasted pecans. Repeat the layering process, ensuring each jar has a beautiful visual presentation.
  7. Finish the jars with a final drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and textures to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cake batter and even mixing.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a lighter, more uniform texture.
  • Line baking pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleaner cuts.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing powdered sugar in frosting for less sugary version.
  • Toast pecans carefully to enhance nutty flavor without burning.
  • Make caramel sauce slowly and watch color closely to prevent bitter taste.
  • Chill jars longer for firmer layers and more developed flavors.
  • Store assembled jars up to 3 days in refrigerator for make-ahead convenience.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 132 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 42 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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