DIY Dessert Mason Jars

Finding something to give friends during the holiday season can be tough. Why not give them something yummy, from the heart and gives them a head start in the kitchen? In this DIY craft, you simply layer the dry ingredients from step 1 below into a 1-quart mason jar and all that is left for your giftees is to add the wet ingredients and bake!

Assembling the Mason Jars

1. Layer the dry ingredients from step 1 below into a 1-quart mason jar. I typically find the cheapest mason jars at my local craft store. A couple of important things to note here; be sure to tamp each layer well after pouring your ingredients in so that there will be enough room for all of your ingredients as well as be sure to layer dark and light interchangeably so that the end result looks nice! Keep in mind, things may get messy along the way.

2. For the top of the mason jar, I used craft paper cut down to the size of the top adhered with double sided tape. I then added an additional touch with a "homemade" sticker. Just in case they weren't sure! :)

3. I used the same craft paper to cut rectangular pieces out to then add a label to the front of the mason jar. I did not add the recipe on the label, because their cards explained that they could find the recipe here.

4. Finally, I had some gold ribbon left over from Christmas wrapping that I thought would add the perfect finishing touches to these gifts. I simply tied them in bows around the top layer of the jar.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Quick Bread Recipe

1. In a large bowl, mix the contents of the mason jar: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips. 

2. In a small bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter.

3. Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients just until evenly moistened (batter will be lumpy).

4. Scrape into a buttered and floured 9- by 5-inch loaf pan (or any bread pan that you have on hand) and bake in a 350° oven until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.

Do you have any other recipes that would work well in these mason jars? Please share!