Introduction

Bento cakes are charming single-serving cakes that can be customized in countless ways. They’re perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a personal treat. This recipe guides you through making a simple, moist cake with delicious frosting and creative decoration ideas.

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 4-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 3: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, level the top of the cake if needed, and slice it horizontally into 2 or 3 even layers.
Step 4: To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a splash of cream, and vanilla extract, then beat for about 5 minutes until fluffy. Set aside one-third of the frosting for the outer layer and tint the rest with your preferred colors.
Step 5: Spread frosting between each cake layer, then apply a crumb coat around the whole cake. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat. Finally, decorate the cake with the remaining frosting using piping bags or edible markers. Add sprinkles, berries, or personal designs to make it uniquely yours.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and adjust baking time slightly as needed.
Use applesauce instead of eggs to make the recipe vegan-friendly and add a bit of natural sweetness.
Add a hint of citrus zest or almond extract to the batter for an extra flavor twist.
Experiment with different frosting colors and decorations to match themes or celebrations.
If you don’t have a small 4-inch pan, use a similarly sized baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store your bento cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bento cake dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to make the cake dairy-free without compromising texture or flavor.

How do I keep the cake layers from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake the cake and store it properly in an airtight container. Applying frosting between the layers also helps keep the cake moist.