How to Make a Bento Cake – Step-by-Step Recipe and Decorating Ideas
These adorable Bento Cakes are mini sponge cakes decorated with creamy buttercream and personalized toppings. Perfect for birthdays, gifts, or any sweet celebration in a cute lunch-box style presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 small bento cake (4–5 inches)
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 🧁 For the Sponge Cake (Base)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (or buttermilk for richness)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- (Optional: 1 tbsp cocoa powder if making chocolate sponge)
- 🍦 For the Frosting (Buttercream)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for decoration)
- 🍓 For Decoration / Filling (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Fruit jam or puree (strawberry, raspberry, mango)
- Fresh fruit slices (berries, kiwi, banana)
- Chocolate ganache or Nutella
- Sprinkles, edible pearls, or small fondant decorations
Instructions
- 🧁 Bake the Sponge: Pour batter into a 4-inch or 5-inch round pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake rest before slicing.
- Slice and Fill: Slice the cake into two layers. Add your choice of filling (jam, cream, or fruit).
- Frost and Decorate: Cover the cake with buttercream, add sprinkles, or pipe cute designs.
- Box It: Bento cakes are usually packaged in small lunch boxes with a tiny fork for an adorable presentation.
Notes
- You can make multiple small cakes from one batch of sponge for variety.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days for best freshness.