Gift in a Jar: Fudgy Snack Cake

Layer in a wide-mouth 1-quart glass jar or a 32-ounce canister or container with a tight-fitting lid the following ingredients, adding each ingredient at a time in this order: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the 1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate pieces. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next.

For topping, tear off one 12-inch square of plastic wrap. Place walnuts, peanut butter pieces and the 1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate pieces in center of plastic wrap; twist plastic wrap to seal. (Or use a small plastic bag.) Place topping mixture in jar. Cover the jar.

Give as a gift (or store the layered jar of cake ingredients at room temperature up to 1 month) and attach a recipe card with the following instructions:

1. Before using, remove topping mixture; set aside. Shake remaining ingredients in jar to mix.

2. Lightly grease an 8x8x2-inch or 9x9x2-inch baking pan.

3. In a large bowl, combine 1 egg, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup milk; 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled, or 1/3 cup vegetable oil; and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir in jar contents until combined. Spread batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with topping mixture.

4. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven about 35 minutes for the 8x8x2-inch baking pan or 25 to 30 minutes for the 9x9x2-inch baking pan or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Makes 9 servings.