Introduction

Bento cakes are charming, small-sized cakes perfect for celebrating special moments or sharing a sweet treat. These 7 bento cake ideas take a simple vanilla cake base and turn it into personalized, colorful delights that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

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: Prepare the Batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 4-inch round cake pan. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix and Bake. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 3: Cool and Level. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, carefully level the top and slice the cake horizontally into 2 to 3 layers.
Step 4: Make Frosting and Fill. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, beating for 5 minutes until smooth. Reserve one-third of the frosting for the outer layer and color the remaining frosting as desired. Spread frosting between the cake layers and cover with a thin crumb coat. Chill the cake for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Decorate. Apply the final layer of frosting evenly. Use piping bags and edible markers to add creative touches such as names, colors, or designs. Finish with sprinkles or fresh berries if you like for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Try coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness in place of granulated sugar.
Use plant-based butter and oat milk to make this cake vegan-friendly.
Experiment with different frosting colors and decorations to match themes or occasions.
If you prefer fruit filling, add a layer of jam or fresh fruit between the cake layers before frosting.

Storage

Store the assembled bento cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before frosting or decorating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, or use regular dairy milk depending on your preference or dietary needs.

How can I ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to slice the cooled cake layers evenly. Chilling the cake before slicing helps reduce crumbs and makes cutting cleaner and easier.