7 Bento Cake Ideas: Trendy Treats You Can Make Easily

why make this recipe

Bento cakes are trendy and adorable treats that are perfect for any occasion. They are small, beautiful, and easy to make, making them a hit for birthdays, picnics, or just to brighten someone’s day. With a bento cake, you get a delightful taste in a compact, shareable format. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite colors and decorations!

how to make Bento Cake

Ingredients :

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter)
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 1/3 cup milk (almond or oat milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions :

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 4-inch round cake pan. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.

Step 2: Mix and Bake
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22–25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 3: Cool and Level
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a cooling rack. Once the cake is fully cooled, level the top and slice it horizontally into 2–3 layers.

Step 4: Make Frosting and Fill
Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, beating for about 5 minutes. Set aside 1/3 of the frosting for the outer layer and color the rest as you like. Spread frosting between the layers and apply a crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Decorate
Apply the final layer of frosting. Use piping bags and edible markers for creative touches. Personalize your cake with colors, names, or fun designs. You can also add sprinkles or berries for extra flair!

how to serve Bento Cake

Bento cakes are perfect for individual servings! You can slice them up and serve them on small plates or even in bento boxes. They make for an elegant treat that everyone can enjoy. Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack!

how to store Bento Cake

To keep your bento cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to a month in the freezer.

tips to make Bento Cake

1. Level Your Cake: Take the time to level the cake properly to ensure even layers.
2. Chill Before Decorating: Chilling the cake before frosting helps the layers set and makes decorating easier.
3. Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter, sugar, and flavorings will enhance the overall taste.

variation (if any)

You can experiment with different flavors and fillings! Try adding chocolate chips to the batter, or fill the layers with fruity jams or cream. If you want a different color theme, simply adjust the food coloring you use to decorate.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes! You can use almond flour or another gluten-free flour mix in place of all-purpose flour.

Q2: How can I make this cake vegan?
A2: Substitute the egg with applesauce and use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly option.

Q3: Can I bake this cake in a different size pan?
A3: Yes, you can adjust the bake time and temperature for larger pans, but keep an eye on the cake while baking to ensure it’s not overcooked.

Bento Cake

Bento cakes are trendy and adorable treats perfect for any occasion, customizable with colors and decorations, perfect for serving individually.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter)
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 1/3 cup milk (almond or oat milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 4-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.

Mix and Bake

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22-25 minutes.
4. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cool and Level

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a cooling rack.
2. Once the cake is fully cooled, level the top and slice it horizontally into 2-3 layers.

Make Frosting and Fill

1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, beating for about 5 minutes.
3. Set aside 1/3 of the frosting for the outer layer and color the rest as you like.
4. Spread frosting between the layers and apply a crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.

Decorate

1. Apply the final layer of frosting.
2. Use piping bags and edible markers for creative touches.
3. Personalize your cake with colors, names, or fun designs. You can also add sprinkles or berries for extra flair!

Notes

Level your cake properly for even layers. Chill before decorating to help layers set. Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste.