My kids want to bake all of the time, so one of the ways I avoid having too many baked goods in the house is to allow them to make individually portioned treats. Recently, we made these Gingerbread In A Jar Cakes and they were just the right size for a single serving snack!

In a classroom setting, kids could also make these as homemade gifts for mom and dad.

Gingerbread In A Jar

Instead of making our single serving cakes in a mug (which I normally do if I’m just making one for myself), we used mason jars so that the kids could easily take their treats home to share with their families.

Mason jars also tend to be a bit sturdier if the children drop them while you are baking.

Gingerbread Jar Cake Recipe

• 4 Tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 Tablespoons milk
• 1/2 Tablespoon oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 Tablespoon molasses
• Pinch of salt

1. Stir dry ingredients together thoroughly. Add wet ingredients.
2. Microwave on high 45 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds, until cooked all the way through.
3. Allow to cool before eating.

How To Have The Kids Help Make These Gingerbread In A Jar Cakes

For the gingerbread cakes, invite the children measure out the dry ingredients and stir completely.

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Measuring is a great math activity, showing children that different amounts look different – a bigger measurement means more of something is needed, while a smaller measurement calls for less of another ingredient.

Gingerbread In A Jar Directions

Next, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. You might find it easier to allow the children to measure their wet ingredients into a separate container and then add it to the dry ingredients.

I always like to double check that there are no lumps in these mug cakes, so that the children can really enjoy their treats afterwards. Because we cook these in the microwave, any lumps do not get “baked out” and will result in a big pocket of flour in the cake – yuck!

Heat the cakes on high in your microwave between 45 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave. (Start at 45 seconds and add on 15-second increments until the cake appears cooked or an inserted toothpick comes out clean.)

The jars will be hot when they are removed from the microwave, but after they are cooled, children can help decorate them – or you can simply fasten the lid onto each jar.

These gingerbread mug cakes make great kid-made gift idea for the holidays, and the kids are so proud to be able to give something that they’ve made “all by themselves!”

More Gingerbread Ideas

• How to Make Milk Carton Gingerbread Houses in Preschool- Have you ever made milk carton gingerbread house with your kids? Your little learners will love using candy, icing, and graham crackers to build their very own gingerbread houses!
• Gingerbread Man Science Activity for Preschool- Holiday-themed science is so much fun. Our simple dissolving gingerbread man science activity is perfect for kids at home or school with just a few supplies!
• Gingerbread Cloud Dough- Certain smells, such as the classic scent of gingerbread, remind us of the holidays. We love this smell and decided to add it into our holiday sensory activity! Today, I’m sharing our recipe for Gingerbread Cloud Dough.

BIO: Jennifer Tammy writes at Study at Home Mama where she shares hands-on learning activities, easy recipes, and parenting inspiration. She is a single mom of one, a trained psychologist, and Montessori-certified preschool owner. You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.

More Gingerbread ideas