We’re celebrating our AWNiversary, so why not join us? Here are two easy cakes you can make, one to mail to your deployed service member and one to make just for you.

Cake in a Jar

What you’ll need:

• Wide-mouth canning jars. Make sure they’re clean or boiled if they’re used.
• 1 package of cake mix or any cake recipe

1. Make the cake batter according to the instructions or recipe.
2. Grease the jar by liberally spraying the inside with cooking spray.
3. Fill the jar no more than halfway with batter.
4. Place the jars on a cookie sheet, then bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. While baking, boil the jar lids in a pan of water.
6. When the cake is done, take one jar out at a time and cover with the hot lid.
7. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear the “ping” as they seal.
8. As the cake cools, it will pull away slightly from the jar. That’s okay—it just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.
9. Do not frost the cake in the jar! Send the frosting along.
10. Make sure you wrap the jars well (bubble wrap is preferrable, but wadded newspaper or clothing works too).

Don’t forget to include a couple of plastic knives for the frosting and some plastic forks. Sprinkles, candles, fun napkins, and enough cake to go around will complete the package.

Five Minute Chocolate Mug Cake 

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

1. Add dry ingredients to the mug and mix well.
2. Add the moist ingredients and mix well.
3. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
4. Put your mug in the microwave, and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow it to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Served best à la mode.

Remember “stressed” spelled backward is “dessert,” and celebration can be spelled C-A-K-E!