No-Bake Jar Cake (Fluffy Steamed Sponge in a Jar)
This easy no-bake jar cake is a soft and fluffy steamed sponge made directly in a glass jar. Ready in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients, it's the perfect oven-free dessert for kids and families.
Equipment
- Heatproof glass jar
- Large pot with lid
- Measuring spoons
- Fork or small whisk
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Crack the egg directly into a heatproof glass jar.
- Add sugar, oil, milk (or water), flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
- Close the lid and shake well until smooth, or mix with a fork until fully combined.
- Do not fill the jar more than halfway to allow space for rising.
- Place the jar in a deep pot and carefully pour boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the jar.
- Cover the pot with a lid wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to prevent water droplets from dripping onto the cake.
- Steam over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally top with chocolate ganache.
Notes
- For a vanilla version, omit cocoa powder.
- For longer storage, close the lid tightly while the cake is still hot to create a vacuum seal.
- Always use heat-safe jars without cracks.
- Avoid high heat to prevent dense texture.