March 25, 2010

DIY: cupcake in a jar

Going to the other side of the spectrum, from a vegetable garden to loaded with all things bad for you, but tastes so good cupcakes. You won't think I am such a genius anymore once I tell you how these are done. It really is easy and makes for such a visually appealing way to dress up cupcakes, not that cupcakes need to be dressed up as the name itself is cute and enticing!

I pretty much use Paula Deen's recipe, but with a few of my own tiny tweeks to the ingredients (see*) and then I pretty much follow the directions in Paula Deen's recipe to make the batter and frosting, though I change it up a bit (time in the oven) when it comes to baking it.

Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- *2 1/4 tsp cocoa powder
- *1 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
- *2 tsp vanilla extract

for the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- *2 tsps vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar

1. Batter is ready to be put in cupcake pan.
baking cupcakes

2. I spray the pan with pam and then fill each hole up 2/3 with the batter. Note: I do not use liners, but you could if you want, just pull them off before putting them in the jar.
cupcake pan

3. Usually they are done after about 17 minutes in my oven at temperature of 350℉, and I take them out and put them on a wire rack to cool completely.
cool down

4. Once they are cool, I slice them in half. You will have a stack of tops and a stack of bottoms.
sliced in half

5. Place 1 bottom in each jar.
bottom of the cupcake

6. Put a layer of the frosting.
frost the middle

7. Take the top of the cupcake and place on top of the layer of frosting.
the top

8. Flatten (gently smash) the top part of the cupcake inside the jar. You want to get the top sort of flat.
flatten the top

9. Beautifully frost the top of the cupcake.
pipe on the topred velvet in a jar

10. Cover with lids and package however you like! It will be heartbreaking to eat, as it is so pretty, but it is so yummy!
red velvet in a jarred velvet in a jar
Easy, right? See, I told you I am not a genius. I did also want to give a crack at actually baking it in a jar (crossing my fingers that I wouldn't shatter or explode in the oven) and it came out pretty good too.

I followed these instructions, but the lid I boiled shrank, so I just ran it in piping hot water right before I put in on the jar. Also, I didn't listen to the "ping" because knowing my ears I wouldn't even hear it (I have small ears, so I have bad hearing! At least that is why I think I can't hear well.) I let the whole jar cool completely, which was 2.5 hours. After it cooled, I opened the jar up, I scooped out a hole in the middle and then filled it with frosting. I finished it off by frosting the top too! Then, I sealed it again and packaged it to my liking. Something I would change next time I bake it in a jar, is to only fill it up a quarter of the way because it came up higher than I wanted it too.
cupcake in a jar
Just as cute and delicious as the other way of making it!

Here is a little supplies list with a link to where I bought my goodies for packaging:
- round stickers (I did have to cut them down a bit to make it fit the top)
- pastry bag and decorative tips
enjoy
Now, go and enjoy as I am sure most of you will be itching to bake or make something (anything) in a jar! It is really darn cute that you have to give it a try! Don't forget to listen to this song as you bake! Happy baking!!!

124 comments:

  1. Aww, those are so very cute. Oooh, what if you made them w/babyfood jars? I am tempted to buy babyfood just to try it. (I'll let you know if I do...)

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  2. Thank you for this! I am seriously thinking about forgoing a cake at my wedding and having these yummy looking cupcakes instead!

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  3. I LOVE these and am most definitely using this idea for a baby shower I'm planning! Thank you!!

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  4. Your such a clever gal. I am going to try this, it turned out so beautifully. xxx.

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  5. thank you for aharing this awesome DIY! I most definitely will use this for future showers that i'll need to be involved in! It does not look too hard and is soo visually appealing! I love the pics you took of the process too!

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  6. I just made these for my co-workers and my boyfriend's family after you posted the photos from the shower. Thanks so much for the clever idea! Everyone loved them and I will be making them again... maybe with fun-fetti!

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  7. I don't think you need to bother with the boiling, because you are pretty much just using the jars as a short-term container that won't keep the cupcake and frosting edible for any longer than normal, maybe a few days, and if you WERE baking in the jar, trying to 'can' the cupcake, multiple studies have been done about how un-safe it is.

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  8. So impressive - really love these! Do you deliver?

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  9. these are so cute!! i wish i had heard of it earlier, so i could have made them as favors for a bridal shower i'm throwing this weekend!!

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  10. adorable!!
    can't wait to try them out!
    thanks!!
    nicole

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  11. mmm I can't wait to try those out!!

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  12. i love your garden but i was really looking forward to this post... i love it and i can't wait to try it out.

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  13. The red colour sure came out nicely!

    Yeah, I just kind of fell in love with that red.

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  14. thanks for bringing these today for me and ang to eat! :) we are enjoying every bite. (and the extra cupcakes you brought over, too!)

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  15. Yay! Thank you! I had been waiting for this recipe!

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  16. This looks wonderful-I might have to try it with chocolate though ;)
    And -that is such a pretty tablecloth!

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  17. Thanks for the fun instructions and great photos! I know what I'll be making for my next party :)

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  18. thanks for sharing! I love paula deen. my daughter and I hope to take a road trip to georgia sometime this summer from our home here in charlotte to visit her restaurant.

    blessings,
    alely

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  19. the ones you brought home for us are gone.... and i didn't even try one. :'(

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  20. I can't wait to make these. What a beautiful gift they would make. I want to have a party just so I can make these nwo.

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  21. thanks for sharing the recipe :) am posting it on my blog now many many thankssss

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  22. hey,
    you should make a badge for your blog than i can put it to my blog as well like you put your sponsors... i want to share your blog witm my visitors...
    your baby's photo is on my desktop!everytime i see her, i smile to her! thanks for that!

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  23. What a fun idea. I love cupcakes in an fashion!! I just came over from Remodeling this Life... don't know how I've missed your blog? It's fabulous!!

    Hope you come visit me sometime:-)

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  24. Duh! I just realized who you were!?? Whoops... I have visited you, just not in a long time and your design looks different. ha! We were both interviewed by Jenn @ Ambrosia Girl a while back. I'm loosing my brain:-) Have a great weekend!

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  25. This is a brilliant idea. I have saved it to my favorites so that I can make them when I need an adorable and delicious party favor! Thanks!

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  26. I made a batch today (sans jar) and they turned out great! So moist with great flavor! Thank you for sharing! :)

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  27. What a fabulous, creative and gorgeous idea. Looks great.

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  28. Oohh! These look so good. You have such good ideas. I'm a new follower. Hop over for a visit sometime. Sandra @sawdustandpaperscraps

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  29. that is sooo cute...also the small ear thing...they...a doctor told her that....she would always have bad hearing? i had never HEARD that before...loving your bloggy...

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  30. Very creative! I love it.

    http://booksonthehouse.com
    http://booksonthehouse.com/kids

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  31. thanks for letting us know where you got those wooden spoons! i was looking ALL OVER for those at christmas and couldn't find them anywhere! :)

    ~jenni

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  32. Hi Rubyellen! Thanks for this cute idea. I did a variation of the jar and blogged about it today. :) http://punkinandbean.blogspot.com/2010/04/cakes-in-cup.html

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  33. My pregger self wants to eat tons and I mean tons of these! So yummy! You're in the link luv roundup today! Come by for a peek! http://bit.ly/cQKk4F

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  34. Being from the south, Red Velvet is my JAM! And i have been in the mood for it lately!

    This is such a pretty and different take on serving it!

    I also just saw red velvet pancakes somewhere else and i'm definitely making those on a saturday soon!

    must....have....red...velvet...haha.

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  35. OMG, delicious!! I heart red velvet the most!! So excited to try it out!

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  36. I love this idea soooo much! I can't wait to try this! I'll be linking.

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  37. this is killing me with cuteness! and @Heather w/ Dollar Store Crafts : Baby food jars! Awesomesauce!

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  38. What a hit! Finally found a reason to make these delicious cupcakes in a jar! I made them for a surprise birthday party in the park. Basically, an excuse for adults to act like kids...tug-o-war, pinata, ring toss, and a water balloon toss. Perfect picnic dessert! I definitely eyed some of our friends taking 2nds and 3rds. Heads up, you need 2 bottles of red food coloring for the recipe...one will turn them a dingy pink...still delicious. Also, I added some fresh cut strawberries on top!

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  39. This is such a great idea for bday parties, giveaways and recycling.. so beautiful

    http://polwig.com

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  40. Got everything I need to make these...and a family reunion to try them out at!!! Thank you for sharing!

    Carmen
    carmencustommcreation.etsy.com
    facebook page: Carmen's Custom Creations

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  41. I'm going to do this for the fourth of july. However, I'm going to divide the cake batter into two different bowls. I'll add red food coloring to one. And blue food coloring to the other. Then I'll layer red cupcake, white frosting, blue cupcake top, frosting. Red, white and blue!

    Another option is a parfait with yogurt. But this cupcake idea is so cute!

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  42. I LOVE THIS!!!!!! Bookmarking now! Totally doing this for the 4th of July~

    Ebony
    sparklingeventdesigns.blogspot.com

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  43. I've been wanting to make these and now I have no excuse not to! Thanks so much for posting.

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  44. These look so delicious!!!!! :)

    http://twitter.com/guurrrl/status/16303287366

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  45. These are so cute! I love this idea for favors at a shower or party! Thank you SO much for sharing -- great tutorial!!

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  46. This is awesome! I've reposted at my blog, Urban Domestic

    http://urban-domestic.blogspot.com/2010/06/cupcakes-in-jar.html

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  47. Wow, these are really cool!! My sister-in-law is doing a Dr. Seuss theme for the nursery for her first baby (YAY!!) and so I'm throwing her a Seuss shower too. These will be PERFECT with the red/white color scheme and I'll throw some turquoise ribbons on or even turquoise maribou around the jars (ala Thing One & Thing Two). Thanks for the great post & inspiration! :)

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  48. These are so cute! I'd love to feature these on my blog sometime soon!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

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  49. so i had to feature these on my blog post today... just adorable - thanks for the inspiration!

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  50. I love these! I'm trying to track my brain to figure out what I can make them for.

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  51. That is such a great idea and they are really cute! I am going to try this soon!

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  52. Love this so much! I've been looking around trying to decide what I could do for some party favors for my very small, family only wedding. These look so simple and perfect. Thank you!

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  53. My favorite bakery makes "cake in a cup" that is layered cake and frosting like this as a way to use leftover cake bits. It is always my favorite treat! Great idea to make them as gifts.

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  54. I love this! What a perfect party favor, and it looks soo yummy! Can't wait to share with my readers {www.rivernorthlove.blogspot.com}, thanks for sharing!

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  55. Super fun and delicious! Thanks for sharing!

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  56. I love the colors and the look delish! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  57. Randomly found you on google and so grateful I did! Thanks for sharing this. I posted it on my facebook blog site page.

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  58. OMG, I am so excited to make these! I have a couple of birthdays coming up and this is what they're are getting! Love it!

    http://dafoodieadventures.blogspot.com/

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  59. Thank you for the idea, I made 10 for my son's birthday as a souvenir and everyone love them. Too cute! Jesica from Argentina

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  60. These look so yummy...I'm going to post this on my blog to share with everyone and so I never lose this!

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  61. I can't wait to try this out! I think it'll be a big hit with my family.
    Thanks for this lovely idea! - Kim

    http://www.couponing102.blogspot.com

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  62. Hi I am Nicole from Colies Kitchen I found you on a Surfin’ Saturday blog hop and wanted to drop by and say hi. I really like your blog, and am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance. www.colieskitchen.com

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  63. What a freaking great idea... heartbreaking to eat, not for me anyway.

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  64. yum! so so cute and i love red velvet.

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  65. I love this trend in food presentation - I think that jars just make every thing cuter! I am especially crushing on those little spoons! Very cute!

    P.S. that cake song was adorable!

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  66. Hi,
    I just wanted to make you aware that someone who has an etsy cupcake store used your cupcake jar photo as her own in order to sell her product. her link is below.

    i've already found 3 of her other photos on other peoples blogs and i just thought you should know.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/58257221/cupcake-jars

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  67. Oh I LOVE this idea. How clever - and gorgeous (and eliminates the mess ;))

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  68. Those are SO CUTE!! I have been scouring the internet looking for cheap, cute, DIY favors for my wedding in April! I think I might just have to do these! My colors are chocolate brown and cream - maybe I can try this with chocolate cupcakes? This would be a great girl's-day project! Thank you so much for coming up with this!!

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  69. Yep. What Ashley said. Just as blatant as can be.

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  70. Hi,
    I only just realized that the aforementioned shop is not the one I thought it was. You have yet another Etsy shop using your pics.

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/KGSweets

    and a sold listing:
    http://www.etsy.com/transaction/40106557

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  71. What a great idea, these cupcakes in a jar. Fantastic presentation! :)

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  72. Such a great idea. SO cute and so glad I found your blog.

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  73. OMG I absolutely LOVE this idea. I think I'm going to do this for my daughter's birthday party. I had planned to do cupcakes instead of a whole cake... this would be even better. Thanks for the tutorial and the links where you got your supplies. I'm definitely bookmarking this one. ;)

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  74. This is a very pretty idea! I like this one so much. This is going to be a nice giveaway to parties.
    dining table

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  75. Lovely presentation! What size jars did you use? Something you had saved, or able to buy by the case? lol

    mary

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  76. how many cupcakes can the ingredients make?

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  77. xiang- i don't remember. maybe 24. sorry. when i make this again, i will try to remember!

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  78. Yummy! I featured these on my facebook wall. Thanks for inspiring

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  79. This looks so delicious and so CUTE!

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  80. So neat! Found you from kojo today =) New follower.

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  81. I love love love this idea. I'm a new follower. I actually found one of your pics on pinterest and tumblr without proper credit. I asked for the source and finally found you. I'm giving you full credit in an upcoming feature for DIY Thursday! It will be on the blog at fiftieswedding.com.

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  82. hiii... i love your blog, what an inspiration...

    i hope you don't mind, me having your link at my blog... all the way from Indonesia... :)
    thank youuu

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  83. Too pretty to eat!!!! I absolutely love these : ) Red velvet is my FAVORITE

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  84. Thank you for the in depth instructions! I referred this DIY to my client. YUM!!

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  85. Since you inspired me so much and my client, I have put you up on my Bright Idea Thursday blog post. Come visit at: http://simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com/2011/08/bright-idea-thursday-cupcakes-in-jar.html

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  86. These are so cute! I am totally using them as a welcome gift for all of my suite mates at school. Thank You so much!

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  87. Here is my post: SimplySavannahEvents: {Bright Idea Thursday} Cupcakes In A Jar http://bit.ly/qMNtXU

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  88. I love this! I'm going to make these for my friends for Christmas! You are so creative.

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  89. These are so beautiful, I love them! I'm going to make these for my friends for Christmas.

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  90. These look like a fun dessert, especially if you're on the go - no more crushed cupcakes! I'm going to feature these on Five Friday Finds tomorrow - please stop by and grab a button while you're visiting!

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  91. Is this your website too...http://gettingthere.typepad.com/.a/6a01310ff5c36d970c0148c83ab4ed970c-500wi
    I see your cupcakes in the top left corner of the page and I was wondering if you make the stuff her too. Beautiful Cupcakes!

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  92. What kind and size of jar did you use?
    Can't wait to make these

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  93. Love this idea! I see Christmas gifts in the making! Thanks for sharing!

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  94. Love this!
    I saw your pictures over at The Daily Buzz and they didn't seem to mention anything about having permission to republish them. I'm new to blogging, and was wondering in general what is the etiquette for republishing pictures or linking to posts?

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  95. My mom used to make red velvet cake for Valentine's Day. What a fun little idea! Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  96. I made this for my Church preschool committee and it was a big hit!! Thanks for the great idea!! I linked up to you!!

    www.216grant.blogspot.com

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  97. Love these !!
    Thanks for writing up the tutorial.
    I have featured it…along with some other gifts for teachers here….
    http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/17-handmade-gift-ideas-for-babies-teachers-with-tutorials/
    ….if you would like to take a look.
    Thanks again for a super cute idea.
    Ally on harrysdesk

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  98. Oh my my, this seem sooo delicious! thank you for the recipe1

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  99. Made them tonight.
    And holy cow- so TIME CONSUMING. Haha.
    4 hours.
    But they look super cute.
    Thanks for the ideas.
    Ky
    www.thebirdssay.blogspot.com

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  100. Do I need to seal the jars by boiling???

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  101. Thanks for sharing such a great idea!!

    Becky
    http://bucketofbuttons.blogspot.com

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  102. These look great! Question: how long do these cupcakes last in the jars if you bake them in it? I want to send cupcakes to my boyfriend in Afghanistan and this sounds perfect!

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  103. These look heavenly!! I can't wait to try them! YUM!!

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  104. Wow, this look so good, thanks for the recipe.

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  105. YUMMMYYY!!! :D I will definitely try this one day!!!

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  106. OMG thanks for this! I tried one but the jar was too big (4 cupcakes in a jar? dangerous). So happy i stumbled upon this!!
    www.bolubyrima.com

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  107. This looks just devine. A very clever idea that looks incredible impressive. Thanks for sharing it.

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  108. Would you have any cute suggestions for a non breakable container but still pretty? I would like to make some to ship to soldiers in Afghanistan. I think it would be a cherished treat for them!

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  109. Hey bakes, MY name is Gillian and I do graphic and website design specifically for you talented bakers out there, I even do trade for cupcakes. I've done bakeries from Dubai to NYC. I'm a huge fan of cake art. Bakery boxes & things - http://www.phrizbie-design.com/bakery_logo_designs.html & cupcakes - http://www.phrizbie-design.com/cupcake_logo_design.html

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  110. interesting! do you also have a post about baby jogger stroller ?

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