1. Ice Cream in a Jar
This simple, no-churn ice cream recipe makes the creamiest, most customizable dessert you can prepare without an ice cream maker. You can make it your own by adding chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel or fudge.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…› tsp salt
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Fresh fruit (berries, mango, etc.)
- Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers, etc.)
- Nuts (chopped almonds, pecans, etc.)
- Swirls of caramel or fudge sauce
Instructions:
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream with sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This will take about 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-whipping.
- Add Your Mix-Ins: Once the cream is whipped to the perfect consistency, you can gently fold in any optional add-ins you like. If you’re using chocolate chips, fruit, or crushed cookies, be sure to fold them in carefully so you don’t deflate the whipped cream too much.
- Fill the Jars: Spoon the whipped cream mixture into small mason jars or any airtight containers. Leave a little room at the top of the jar for the ice cream to expand as it freezes.
- Freeze: Cover the jars with their lids or plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight. This gives the mixture time to firm up and freeze into creamy ice cream.
- Serve: Once frozen, you can enjoy your ice cream straight from the jar! It’s the perfect easy, no-mess treat that’s both fun to make and serve.
2. Cheesecake in a Jar
These individual cheesecake jars are an irresistible dessert with a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a topping of your favorite pie filling like cherry, blueberry, or strawberry.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the topping:
- 21 oz pie filling (such as cherry, blueberry, or strawberry)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and looks like wet sand.
- Assemble the Jars: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each mason jar. Press it down gently using the back of a spoon to form a compact layer. This will serve as the base of your cheesecake.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture gently.
- Fill the Jars: Spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the crust in each jar. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the top, making sure it’s even and level.
- Top with Pie Filling: Once the cheesecake filling is in place, add about 2 tablespoons of your favorite pie filling (cherry, blueberry, etc.) on top of each jar for a delicious, fruity finish.
- Chill: Cover the jars and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake firm up and the flavors meld together. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve: These individual cheesecakes are perfect for a party or a casual get-together. Just grab a spoon and enjoy!
3. Trifle in a Jar (Chocolate & Baileys)
This trifle in a jar is a decadent adult dessert, complete with layers of rich chocolate cheesecake, chocolate whipped cream, and crushed Oreos, all elevated with a splash of Baileys Irish Cream. It’s a luxurious treat that’s easy to serve and share.
Ingredients:
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
- For the chocolate whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Additional:
- 20 Oreo cookies, crushed (or any other chocolate cookie)
Instructions:
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth. Once everything is combined, pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and mix until the mixture is velvety and smooth.
- Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreos in a zip-top bag or food processor and crush them into small pieces. These will form the base of your trifle.
- Assemble the Trifles: Start by spooning a layer of chocolate cheesecake mixture into the bottom of each jar. Then, add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of crushed Oreos. Repeat the layers until the jar is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the jars with lids and refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra crushed Oreos on top before serving for an added crunch. Serve cold and enjoy the indulgent, creamy layers with a hint of Baileys Irish Cream.
Enjoy These Delicious Jar Desserts!
Each of these desserts is a simple, fun, and delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat. The individual servings make them easy to portion out, and the jars add a rustic, charming touch. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with friends, these desserts are sure to impress. Enjoy!