Description
Learn how to make the perfect bento cake at home with this easy and fun recipe! These adorable mini cakes are perfect for small celebrations, thoughtful gifts, or a personal treat. Customize your cake in a bento box with various flavors and decorations for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 4-inch round cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble Your Bento Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, level the top with a serrated knife to create a flat surface. Frost the top of the cake with a thin layer of frosting. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for baking.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Practice your piping skills on parchment paper before decorating the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 850 Kcal
- Sugar: 80g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: bento cake, lunchbox cake, mini cake, homemade cake, korean cake, single serving cake, cake recipe, dessert recipe, small cake