Confetti Ube Cake Jars

Chaos Cake Confetti Ube Jars are the kind of dessert that both kids and nostalgic grown-ups cannot resist. Imagine lush layers of soft ube sponge cake, vibrantly hued coconut whipped cream, joyful sprinkles, and the fizzy crackle of Pop Rocks—all tucked neatly into individual jars. They are easy to transport and deliver a rush of color and flavor with every bite, making them perfect for parties or a playful family night.

I fell for this recipe after making it for my niece's birthday. Watching kids’ eyes widen with every crackly bite is now one of my favorite memories in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Cake flour: provides a light and airy texture. Choose the freshest flour for best rise
• Baking powder: ensures a soft and fluffy sponge
• Salt: balances out sweetness
• Large eggs: give structure and keep the cake moist. Room temperature eggs whip up with more volume
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps the eggs thicken for a classic génoise lift
• Ube halaya purple yam jam: gives the cake its distinct color and earthy-sweet flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work. Look for deep purple and smooth texture
• Whole milk: adds richness and moisture
• Vegetable oil: makes the sponge extra tender and soft
• Ube extract: brings that electric purple hue and an extra boost of ube scent
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors
• Full-fat coconut cream: makes the whipped cream layer super lush and stable. Chill cans overnight and use only the thick part
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the cream and helps stabilize it. Sift for smoothness
• Gel food coloring: makes it easy to create intense rainbow cream. Go for gel rather than liquid to avoid thinning your cream
• Rainbow sprinkles: add festive crunch and color. Choose high-quality brands for bright color and no chemical aftertaste
• Pop Rocks: deliver the exciting fizzy sensation. Store unopened for maximum crackle
• Edible glitter or gold leaf: is optional but adds extra sparkle if you are feeling fancy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius. Prep a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment so your cake releases easily

Sift Dry Ingredients:

Combine cake flour baking powder and salt in a bowl, sifting everything together to remove lumps and ensure even blending

Whip Eggs and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat eggs and sugar on high. Keep going for about eight minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and has tripled in volume

Mix Ube Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk ube halaya, milk, oil, ube extract, and vanilla until silky smooth

Combine Mixtures:

Pour the ube mix gently into the egg and sugar mixture. Carefully fold everything together with a spatula, keeping as much air as possible. Sift in the dry ingredients and fold again just until blended

Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about twenty two to twenty five minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan

Whip Coconut Cream:

Scoop chilled coconut cream (just the thick solids) into a cold bowl. Beat with clean beaters until soft peaks form, then add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla. Keep whipping to stiff peaks

Color the Cream:

Split the coconut cream evenly into five bowls. Stir in different colors of gel food coloring to create your rainbow layer options

Cut the Cake:

When cool, slice the ube cake into rounds or cubes that fit your jars

Layer the Jars:

In clean jars, alternate layers of cake cubes, coconut whipped cream of various colors, and sprinkles. Repeat layers for a rainbow effect. Finish with whipped cream, extra sprinkles, and Pop Rocks right before serving. Glitter or gold leaf is a final festive touch if desired

Serve and Enjoy:

Eat immediately to enjoy the fizzy Pop Rocks. If making ahead, wait to add Pop Rocks so they keep their crunch

Save

Ube is my not so secret weapon here—the mellow earthiness pairs perfectly with sweet coconut cream. I remember the first time I let my nephews decorate their own jars. The table was a joyful mess of colors, and the laughter when the Pop Rocks started popping is still one of my favorite sounds.

Storage Tips

Best enjoyed fresh, especially with the Pop Rocks crackle. You can store assembled jars (without Pop Rocks) in the fridge for up to two days. Add the fizziness just before serving for full effect. If you have extra unassembled cake or coconut cream, they’ll last in airtight containers refrigerated for up to four days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ube halaya, try steaming and mashing purple sweet potato or yam for a similar effect. For a vegan version, double check that your sprinkles and Pop Rocks contain no animal-derived ingredients. Almond or cashew milk can substitute for whole milk if you prefer a nutty undertone.

Save

Serving Suggestions

Serve these jars as a centerpiece dessert at birthdays, baby showers, or potlucks. Set up a make-your-own jar bar with assorted toppings so guests can customize their sweets. These also make unforgettable party favors if you seal the jars and add a cute ribbon.

Cultural Context

Ube is an iconic Filipino ingredient, prized for its beautiful hue and earthy vanilla flavor. Using coconut cream and playful sprinkles, this recipe is a modern twist bridging tradition and youthful joy. The Pop Rocks add a layer of pure childhood nostalgia, channeling the surprise and fun of Filipino fiesta desserts in a format everyone can enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep Pop Rocks fizzy in the jars?

Add Pop Rocks just before serving and avoid excess humidity, as moisture makes them lose their signature fizz.

→ Can I make the coconut whipped cream in advance?

Yes! Prepare it ahead and refrigerate. For the best texture, whip again briefly before layering with cake.

→ Is it possible to make these jars vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan sprinkles, ensure Pop Rocks are gelatin-free, and replace eggs in the sponge with an alternative binding agent.

→ What alternatives exist if ube halaya is unavailable?

Cooked, mashed purple yam or sweet potato tinted with ube extract gives a similar flavor and vibrant color profile.

→ Can I prepare the jars ahead for a party?

Yes, assemble the jars minus the Pop Rocks and store chilled. Add the Pop Rocks and extra toppings just before serving for best results.