Description
Bento Cake, also known as a lunchbox cake, is a mini decorated cake layered with moist sponge and fluffy buttercream, perfectly portioned for one or two people. These adorable cakes are customizable with different flavors and decorations, making them ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or small celebrations where you want a special treat without committing to a full-sized cake.
Ingredients
1 (15–22 oz) box cake mix of your choice (plus ingredients listed on the box)
2 teaspoons simple syrup
1 cup unsaltedA butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
Sprinkles (optional)
Gel frosting (optional)
Colored buttercream (optional, for piping designs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12×17-inch half-sheet or jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Spread evenly in the pan and bake for 20–24 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Beat butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Cut 12 circles using a 6-inch round cutter. Place one circle on parchment, secure with a dab of frosting, drizzle with syrup, and spread buttercream. Top with a second cake circle, drizzle with syrup, and apply a crumb coat. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Frost with a thicker buttercream layer, smooth with a spatula, and chill again for 10 minutes.
- Place cakes in bento containers and decorate with sprinkles, colored buttercream, or gel frosting.
Notes
- Use different cake flavors like red velvet, lemon, or funfetti for variety.
- Simple syrup keeps the cake moist but can be skipped if preferred.
- Chilling between frosting layers makes it easier to achieve a smooth finish.
- For more festive designs, add fruit, edible flowers, or chocolate drizzle.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months and decorate later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bento cake
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
