Whip Up the Perfect Holiday Gift: Homemade Espresso Brownie Mix in a Jar – A Review of Desserts in Jars Cookbook

A jar of homemade brownie mix with espresso powder makes the perfect holiday gift from the kitchen, blending convenience with heartfelt sentiment.

The holiday season often brings with it the delightful tradition of giving homemade gifts, and few things convey warmth and thoughtfulness quite like something crafted in your own kitchen. Today, we’re diving into this beloved practice by reviewing a truly inspiring cookbook, Desserts in Jars by the talented Shaina Olmanson. While Shaina’s book first captivated us with its release last summer, its appeal resonates even more powerfully as the holidays approach, making it an ideal resource for both unique gift ideas and personal baking indulgence.

As the title suggests, “Desserts In Jars” is a delightful collection of recipes designed specifically to be served in – you guessed it – jars. While some might dismiss “things in jars” as a fleeting trend, the concept of jarred food, especially for gifting, is a timeless tradition. Think of homemade jams, preserved fruits, or even layered baking mixes, all presented beautifully in glass jars. These offerings have been cherished for generations, symbolizing love and care from the giver. It’s a sentiment that transcends mere fad, offering both practicality and a deeply personal touch. For this review, I chose to explore her Espresso Brownie Mix, not only because it promises rich, fudgy brownies, but also because it exemplifies the book’s charm: a ready-to-make gift that’s also perfect to keep on hand for those sudden brownie cravings.

The Enduring Appeal of Desserts in Jars: More Than Just a Trend

When I first picked up “Desserts in Jars,” I admit I had some preconceived notions. I expected a collection of familiar jarred staples like fruit preserves or simple dry baking mixes. However, Shaina’s creativity immediately shattered those expectations. This isn’t just your average “dessert in a jar” book; it’s a culinary journey into a world of unexpected delights, from sophisticated cakes and individual pies to creamy ice creams, puddings, and decadent cheesecakes – all designed to be beautifully presented in jars. It’s a testament to how versatile and innovative jarred desserts can be.

What truly sets this cookbook apart is its ingenious approach to crafting these jar-friendly treats. While some recipes, like the Espresso Brownie Mix, are beautifully layered dry ingredients ready to be mixed later, others involve more intricate processes. For instance, you might bake Vanilla Bean Cupcakes in a traditional cupcake pan, then carefully place them into a jar, topping them with a luscious dessert sauce before sealing. Similarly, the Tres Leches Cakes require baking in cupcake pans, followed by meticulous assembly within the jars to create a stunning, self-contained dessert. This blend of simple mixes and more complex, assembled treats demonstrates the breadth of possibilities when working with jars, elevating them from mere containers to integral components of the dessert experience.

Practical Perks: Why Jarred Desserts Are a Game-Changer

The benefits of desserts in jars extend far beyond their charm as gifts. They offer unparalleled convenience and versatility for various occasions, making them a true game-changer for anyone who loves to entertain or simply enjoy a sweet treat on the go. One of the most obvious advantages is their portability. Imagine planning a picnic or heading to a potluck. Transporting a traditional pie or cake can be a messy endeavor, often requiring extra plates, serving utensils, and careful handling to prevent damage. With desserts pre-made and sealed in individual jars, all you need are spoons, and you’re ready to enjoy a perfectly portioned treat without any fuss or mess.

Beyond portability, jarred desserts excel in portion control and presentation. Hosting a large dinner party can be stressful, but preparing individual desserts in jars beforehand eliminates last-minute plating anxieties. Each guest receives their own elegant, self-contained dessert, ensuring consistent portions and a sophisticated touch. Furthermore, this approach can even help you manage those tempting leftovers – instead of being stuck with an entire pie, you can send guests home with their own delicious jar, saving you from extra calories and ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s about thoughtful planning that benefits both the host and the guests, making every occasion feel special and effortless.

The Perfect Choice: Espresso Brownie Mix for Gifting and Indulgence

What truly captivated me about “Desserts in Jars” – beyond its sheer creativity – was the approachability of its recipes and the reliance on basic, readily available ingredients. There’s no need for obscure or expensive components, making it incredibly easy to jump right into baking. In fact, there were so many enticing recipes I could have made immediately without a special trip to the store, which made selecting just one for this blog tour a delightful challenge. Ultimately, with Christmas rapidly approaching, the Espresso Brownie Mix emerged as the clear winner. Its festive appeal and the promise of rich, coffee-infused chocolate goodness made it an irresistible choice for a holiday gift.

This particular recipe isn’t just a wonderful treat; it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Presenting someone with an Espresso Brownie Mix in a jar offers them a unique sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of “look at what I made!” It’s an interactive gift, transforming the act of receiving into an enjoyable baking experience. The addition of espresso powder elevates classic brownies, deepening the chocolate flavor and adding a subtle, sophisticated kick that any coffee or chocolate lover will adore. To make the gift even more special, you could easily pair the jarred mix with a festive rubber spatula, a charming oven mitt, or a personalized recipe tag, creating a truly memorable and practical present from the heart.

Navigating the Niche: Is “Desserts in Jars” For You?

It’s important to acknowledge that “Desserts in Jars” is, by its very nature, a niche cookbook. If the idea of serving or preparing desserts in jars doesn’t align with your personal style or baking preferences, then this book might not be your ideal culinary companion. Furthermore, embracing this unique approach means you’ll likely incur an additional expense: purchasing jars. While jars are reusable and incredibly versatile for various kitchen and home needs, it’s a factor to consider alongside your usual baking ingredient budget.

However, the book also offers a surprising degree of flexibility. Some recipes can certainly be enjoyed without the jar element. For instance, the delightful White Chocolate Lime Pudding, Vanilla Bean Cupcakes, or Cinnamon Coffee Cake Mix could easily be adapted for traditional serving methods or different containers. On the other hand, certain recipes, such as the elegant Almond Poppy Seed Cake or the creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake, are specifically designed for jar baking or assembly and might require some adjustments to pan sizes and baking times if you choose to prepare them outside of their intended glass vessels. Ultimately, if you appreciate creative presentation, enjoy thoughtful gift-giving, or simply love the convenience of portable, pre-portioned desserts, then “Desserts in Jars” offers a treasure trove of inspiration that’s well worth exploring.

Espresso Brownie Mix

Yield:
24 brownies

A jar of homemade brownie mix with espresso powder makes the perfect holiday gift from the kitchen, offering a rich chocolatey treat that’s easy to make.

Ingredients for the Mix

• 1-quart jar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, or use chocolate chips for a nut-free version)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (or high-quality chocolate chips)

To make the brownies (wet ingredients to add later)

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions for Assembling the Mix

1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently pour this dry mixture into the bottom of your clean, dry 1-quart jar.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dutch-process cocoa powder and espresso powder until well combined. Carefully layer this mixture into the jar, directly on top of the flour mixture, creating a distinct layer.
3. Next, add the chopped walnuts (if using) into the jar, followed by an even layer of the granulated sugar. Finally, top the sugar with the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. Seal the jar tightly and decorate it as desired with a ribbon, gift tag, and baking instructions.

Instructions for Baking the Brownies

1. To bake the brownies from the mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan. Set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, empty the entire contents of the jar. Add the melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are just combined and a thick, uniform batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
3. Spread the thick brownie batter evenly into the prepared 13×9 inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
4. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares and serving. This ensures a fudgier texture and cleaner cuts.

Did you make this recipe?

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In conclusion, Shaina Olmanson’s “Desserts in Jars” is much more than a cookbook; it’s an invitation to embrace the art of thoughtful gifting and convenient entertaining. The Espresso Brownie Mix, a star among its creative recipes, perfectly embodies the book’s spirit by offering a simple yet profoundly satisfying way to share homemade joy. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday presents or simply a delightful way to keep your pantry stocked with easy-to-make treats, this cookbook, and especially this brownie mix, comes highly recommended. Dive in and discover the countless delicious possibilities that fit perfectly into a jar!

Disclosure: Harvard Common Press generously provided me with one copy of Desserts In Jars for review purposes and an additional copy for a giveaway.