Cupcakes in a Jar: What They Are, How They Stay Fresh & How to Order

Never tried cupcakes in a jar before? You might be wondering what makes them different from a traditional cupcake. The answer is simple: instead of being baked and presented in a paper wrapper, the cake and delicious layers of frosting are assembled inside a jar. The result is a fun, convenient dessert that's easy to enjoy, easy to gift, and easy to send.

But there's more to cupcakes in a jar than simply putting a cupcake in a jar. From how they're made and how long they last to choosing your flavours and having them delivered across Australia, here's everything you need to know before trying your first one.

What Are Cupcakes in a Jar?

A cupcake in a jar is exactly what it sounds like—a cupcake assembled inside a jar rather than presented as a traditional cupcake.

Put simply, a cupcake in a jar is a cupcake baked and then layered inside a glass jar instead of being iced on top of a paper liner. Usually you'll find moist, tender cake at the base, a generous layer of creamy frosting in the middle, and more cake or a beautiful, piped swirl of frosting on top - all sealed in with a lid.

The jar does more than look pretty. It keeps every layer intact, locks in that just-baked freshness, and stops frosting from squashing against the side of a box in transit. That glass jar is exactly why these treats can be baked fresh, packed up and sent across the country without losing a thing.

The jar also provides a convenient individual serving that can be sealed for storage and transport.

And there's one particularly useful benefit: you don't need a plate and fork to enjoy one.

Just grab a spoon, open the jar and dig in.

Why Put a Cupcake in a Jar?

There are a few practical differences between cupcakes in a jar and traditional cupcakes.

They're easy to transport

Traditional cupcakes can be tricky to transport. A carefully piped swirl of frosting can become a little less carefully piped after a journey across town!

With a cupcake in a jar, the dessert is contained within its own jar, helping protect the layers during handling and delivery.

They're individually portioned

Each jar contains its own serving of two standard cupcakes per jar, because we feel one cupcake just isn’t enough… and hey, who doesn’t like more cake, right? This makes them convenient for gifting, celebrations, events, or simply keeping a treat on hand for yourself.

They're made for gifting

There's something a little more unexpected about opening a jar and discovering layers of cake and frosting inside.

That makes cupcakes in a jar suitable for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, congratulations, thank-you gifts, get-well wishes and other special moments.

What Flavours of Cupcakes in a Jar Are Available?

Choosing a flavour might be the hardest part of your order—and with six flavours available, we won't judge if you have trouble deciding!

Jarlicious Cupcakes currently offers:

Double Chocolate Indulgence

A rich choice for chocolate lovers and anyone who believes there is no such thing as too much chocolate.

Red Velvet

A classic red velvet flavour paired with creamy frosting for a familiar favourite in a fun new format.

Vanilla Berry Bliss

A combination of vanilla and berry flavours for a lighter, fruitier option.

Mocha Swirl

Chocolate and coffee come together in this flavour for anyone who enjoys a little coffee with their dessert.

Cookies & Cream

A familiar cookies-and-cream combination that brings together cake and delicious cookie flavour.

Biscoff Bliss

For fans of Biscoff, this flavour brings that recognisable caramelised biscuit taste into a cupcake in a jar.

With Jarlicious packs, you can mix and match flavours, making it possible to try different varieties in the same order.

How Long Do Cupcakes in a Jar Last?

One of the questions we hear from first-time customers is how long their cupcakes will last.

Jarlicious Cupcakes are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.

They have a 10-day best-before period from the day they are baked, provided they are stored appropriately.

That means you don't necessarily need to eat your entire order the moment it arrives!

If you're ordering cupcakes as a gift, planning for an occasion or simply want to enjoy them over several days, the 10-day best-before period gives you some flexibility.

Do Cupcakes in a Jar Need to Be Refrigerated?

No. Jarlicious Cupcakes are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.

They can be stored unrefrigerated within their best-before period.

For best results, store them somewhere cool and dry and follow the best-before date provided with your order.

Can You Freeze Cupcakes in a Jar?

Yes.

Jarlicious Cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months, making freezing an option if you want to save your cupcakes for later.

If you're planning to freeze them, make sure you allow them to thaw appropriately before enjoying them.

So, if you were wondering whether you must finish six cupcake jars immediately...

Thankfully, you have options!

Can You Warm Up a Cupcake in a Jar?

Absolutely—and this is where things get particularly delicious.

For a warm cupcake treat:

1. Remove the lid from the jar.
2. Place the jar in the microwave.
3. Microwave for approximately 10 - 20 seconds.
4. Add a scoop of your favourite ice cream.
5. Enjoy!

Important microwave safety

Always remove the lid before microwaving. The lid is metal and is not suitable for use in a microwave.

The result is a warm, soft cupcake that pairs particularly well with a scoop of ice cream.

It's a simple way to turn a cupcake in a jar into a warm dessert.

Can Cupcakes in a Jar Be Delivered Across Australia?

Yes. Jarlicious Cupcakes ships Australia-wide via Express Post.

Our cupcakes are baked fresh in small batches from Sunday to Thursday and dispatched according to our baking and processing schedule.

Express Post typically takes 1–2 business days after dispatch, although delivery times can vary depending on location, weather, remote areas and Australia Post delays.

Because the cupcakes have a 10-day best-before period from the day they are baked, customers also have time to enjoy them after they arrive.

Why don't we bake and dispatch on weekends?

Jarlicious doesn't bake on Fridays or Saturdays.

One reason for this schedule is that Australia Post does not deliver over weekends. By carefully scheduling baking and dispatch, we can help prevent freshly baked cupcakes from sitting in transit over the weekend.

It also allows us to plan our baking around the delivery network and maintain your order's freshness.

Which Pack Size Should You Choose?

Jarlicious cupcakes are available in 2, 4 and 6 packs, so you can choose the size that suits your occasion.

2 Pack

A great option when you're ordering for yourself, sharing with someone special or sending a small but thoughtful gift.

4 Pack

A little more variety and plenty to share. The 4 Pack can work well for families, small celebrations, gifts or simply trying several flavours.

6 Pack

The full Jarlicious experience!

A 6 Pack gives you plenty of opportunity to mix and match flavours and is ideal when you're ordering for a group, entertaining or want more than two jars in the cupboard.

And yes, choosing six different flavours is completely acceptable.

In fact, we'd encourage it.

Are Cupcakes in a Jar Good for Gifting?

One reason cupcakes in a jar make an interesting gift is that they're both a treat and an experience.

They're suitable for many occasions, including:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Congratulations
• Thank-you gifts
• Get-well wishes
• New arrivals
• Milestones
• Just because

They're also an option when you want to send someone something thoughtful but can’t hand-deliver it yourself.

Choose the pack, select the flavours and have the order delivered directly to the recipient.

Sometimes a jar of cupcakes says it better than a card.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cupcakes in a Jar

What are cupcakes in a jar?

Cupcakes in a jar, or as we like to call them “Jakes”, are individual desserts made by layering cake and frosting inside a jar rather than presenting the cupcake in a traditional paper wrapper.

Do cupcakes in a jar need refrigeration?

No. Jarlicious Cupcakes are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.

How long do Jarlicious cupcakes last?

Jarlicious Cupcakes have a 10-day best-before period from the day they are baked.

Can I freeze cupcakes in a jar?

Yes. Jarlicious Cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months.

Can I microwave a cupcake in a jar?

Yes. Remove the metal lid first and microwave the jar for approximately 30 seconds.

Never microwave the jar with the metal lid.

How many flavours can I choose?

Jarlicious currently offers six flavours: Double Chocolate Indulgence, Red Velvet, Vanilla Berry Bliss, Mocha Swirl, Biscoff Bliss and Cookies & Cream.

Do you deliver cupcakes across Australia?

Yes. Jarlicious Cupcakes offers Australia-wide delivery via Express Post.

Ready to Try Cupcakes in a Jar?

If you've made it this far, you now know the important stuff.

They're cupcakes layered in jars; they're shelf-stable, don't need refrigeration, can be frozen for up to 3 months, and can even be warmed up for a delicious dessert.

The only question left is:

Which flavour are you trying first?

Explore the Jarlicious range, choose your pack size, and discover why cupcakes in a jar are such a fun way to enjoy cake.

Your spoon is waiting.