Bento Cake Recipe – Simple, Fun & Perfect for Every Occasion
Make adorable and delicious bento cakes at home with this easy, customizable recipe! Perfect for gifting, celebrations, or a personal treat.
Equipment
- 6-inch cake pan or sheet pan
- Biscuit/cookie cutters (4–5 inch)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags (optional)
- Bento box or clamshell container
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup – All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup – Granulated sugar
- ½ cup – Unsalted butter softened
- 2 – Large eggs
- ½ cup – Whole milk
- 1½ tsp – Baking powder
- 1 tsp – Vanilla extract
- Pinch – Salt
For the Buttercream
- 1 cup – Unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups – Powdered sugar sifted
- 1 –2 tbsp – Milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp – Vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring – optional
Optional Fillings
- Strawberry jam
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate ganache
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan or sheet pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour into pan and bake for 20–25 mins. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and milk to reach desired consistency.
- Tint with food coloring if desired.
Step 3: Assemble
- Cut out 4–5 inch rounds.
- Optionally slice in half and add filling.
- Crumb coat, chill 15 mins, then frost.
- Decorate with piping or messages.
- Box in a bento container and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Let sit at room temp before serving for the best texture.
- Freeze undecorated rounds for later use.
- Personalize with cute piping, messages, or sprinkles!