Let’s be real — when you’re throwing a Juneteenth party, the food isn’t just food. It’s tradition, memory, celebration all wrapped into one. And listen, you could go with the usual cookie platter or sheet cake… but why not step it up with something ridiculously easy and jaw-droppingly gorgeous?
Enter: Red Velvet Cupcake Jars. ❤️
These babies check every box: no slicing drama, no crumb trails, no guests awkwardly balancing plates on their laps. Just pure, portable layers of rich red velvet cake and swoon-worthy cream cheese frosting. The best part? They tie right into the spirit of Juneteenth — red foods have deep, powerful meaning on this day, and honey, we are here for it.
Plus — and let’s not underplay this — they look insanely cute lined up on a party table. Instant Pinterest moment.
Ingredients 📝
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (or homemade if you’re feeling extra)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened until it dreams of frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (soft, but not melting on you)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (pile it high, friend)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, not the fake stuff)
- Mini mason jars or clear party cups (8 oz sweet spot)
- Red sprinkles, edible glitter, or whatever festive toppings call your name
Supplies 🛠️
- Electric mixer (stand or handheld — this is not arm day)
- Cupcake tin + liners
- Piping bags (or just snip the corner off a freezer bag, we’re not fancy here)
- Cookie cutter (if you’re going for show-offy neat layers)
- Mini jars or clear cups
- A spatula (or let’s be honest… a spoon, for “quality control” tasting)
Method 🎂
- Bake It Up: Whip up that red velvet cake according to the box (no shame) and bake in cupcake form. Trust — it bakes faster, cools faster, and feels more party-casual.
- Frost Like a Boss: Cream together the butter and cream cheese until it’s smoother than your favorite playlist. Slowly add powdered sugar unless you want your kitchen to look like a snowstorm. Stir in vanilla and boom: frosting of dreams.
- Layer the Love: Crumble the cupcakes or cut out perfect circles if you’re feeling fancy. Start stacking: cake, frosting, cake, frosting — build those layers like you mean it. Aim for 2-3 layers depending on jar size and heart’s desire.
- Glitz It Up: Toss on some red sprinkles, maybe a shimmer of edible glitter, and pretend you’re a dessert stylist.
- Chill, Then Thrill: Pop them in the fridge, but don’t serve icy cold — 30 minutes at room temp before party time gets you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why These Win Juneteenth
The color red isn’t just pretty — it matters. It symbolizes the struggle, strength, and spirit of the ancestors we honor on Juneteenth. Red velvet is a natural choice: bold, rich, memorable — kind of like the day itself.
And because these desserts are single-serve? No one’s awkwardly licking frosting off a flimsy paper plate while trying to make small talk. Everybody wins.
