It’s 3 weeks til Christmas….eeek! If you’re anything like me you probably have a list of people that you want to give a gift to but have no idea what to get them. I wanted to give a gift that was handmade, that was not too personal but not impersonal, and that was budget friendly. I discovered that a brownie in a jar was the purrrfect solution to my gift giving worries. It’s such an easy gift to make – literally all you do is layer the ingredients in a jar and print out the instructions on a nice label. And, it’s also such an easy gift to receive – all the receiver has to do is mix the contents of the jar with melted butter and eggs, and then bake it. Making brownies has never been so easy, which is why a brownie in a jar is a perfect gift for someone who is a scared of baking or for children who are at the age when they want to learn some basic kitchen skills.
I found a great recipe on the BBC Good Food website for a brownie in a jar (click here). I substituted ground almonds for plain flour and literally the brownies were the best I’ve EVER made!!! I haven’t stopped eating them for the last 3 days. I know, I know, … I shall repent of my sugar binge in January!
So have a look below at the ingredients and instructions on how to create your own brownie in a jar. I’ll also leave the shopping links at the end so that you can shop this post.
♥
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Ingredients:
Place in the Jar:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 95 g plain flour
- 35 g cocoa
- 75 g plain flour
- 135 g brown sugar
- 140 g caster sugar
- 100 g milk chocolate chips
- 100g white chocolate chips
- 50 g walnuts or pecans (optional)
(N.B. I’ve modified this list slightly from the original recipe on BBC’s Good Food website – I slightly reduced the amount of salt and white sugar. You can substitute ground almonds for the plain flour if you want a gluten free brownie or if you want a softer texture)
Plus:
- 150g melted butter
- 3 beaten eggs
You will also need:
- 1 litre jar
- Paper (to print your labels on)
- Cardboard (to mount the labels onto)
- Hole punch
- Twine
- Hessian fabric
Instructions:
- Layer the dry ingredients in a one litre jar; follow the order above, from the top, starting with the salt, baking powder and then the first layer of flour. Press each layer down before adding the next (I used a spoon for this).
- Cut out a piece of hessian fabric, use it to cover the lid of your jar, and then tie a length of twine around it.
- Attach a label with instructions below (I used picmonkey to make my labels)
- For the label:
1. Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking tin and line with greaseproof paper
2. Preheat oven (see step 5 for settings)
3. In a bowl mix the contents of this jar with 150g melted butter and 3 beaten eggs.
4. Mix well, and pour into baking tin
5. Bake at Gas 4 / 180 C (160 C fan) / 350 F for 25-35 minutes.
6. Cool in tin and eat!
♥
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Brownie in a jar
Tra la la la la
It looks like a sugar in a plum
PLUM PLUM!!
Sorry! Couldn’t resist! That song is in my head now. Brilliant and creative idea though. And so easy to put together! Love it!
Author
Thanks so much lovely! I’m glad it made you break out in a song 🙂
So… I’ve made and given away four. My goodness the reactions were priceless! It just goes to show what people appreciate more these days as we lead our very busy lifestyles: something in which a lot of time, kind thoughts and attention have been invested!
Thanks for this amazing idea MSA! I thoroughly enjoyed putting the jars together (it was actually quite therapeutic) and personalising them with my own little twist!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year! xx
Author
I’m so so glad that you enjoyed making brownies in a jar for your friends! You’re right, in this modern age receiving a hand made gift is rare, which is why taking the time to show someone you care means so much. Thanks for the feedback – I’m inspired to keep on creating. Have an amazing Christmas and a very happy new year. Xxx