Bento Cake

Bento Cake is a delightful little dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cute and charming cake is often made in smaller sizes and decorated beautifully to fit in a lunchbox or as a gift. It’s a fun way to enjoy cake in a unique format that’s easy to share and personalize.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Bento Cake is a great choice if you want to impress your friends or family with a small, beautifully decorated cake. It’s also a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday, special event, or simply to treat yourself. Plus, the ingredients are simple and quick to find, making it an approachable option for bakers of all levels.

How to Make Bento Cake

Ingredients

100 g flora buttery/margarine
100 g caster sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
100 g self-raising flour

Directions

Preheat your oven to 160°C for a fan oven, 180°C for a non-fan oven, or gas mark 4.
Line 2 5-inch cake tins with baking paper.
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Gently mix in the self-raising flour until just combined.
Pour the cake mixture into the prepared cake tins. Make a slight dip in the center of each.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
Once baked, leave the cakes to cool in the tins for around 10 minutes before wrapping them in cling film to keep them fresh.

How to Serve Bento Cake

You can serve your Bento Cake as is or decorate it with icing, fruits, or sprinkles for an extra touch. It’s perfect for sharing, so cut it into slices or keep it whole for a lovely presentation.

How to Store Bento Cake

To store your Bento Cake, wrap it tightly in cling film and keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Bento Cake

Make sure to preheat your oven for even baking.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
For added flavor, you can include lemon zest or chocolate chips in the batter.
If your cakes domed while baking, trim off the tops before stacking.

Variation

You can easily change up this recipe by adding different flavors or ingredients. Try using cocoa powder for a chocolate Bento Cake, or add in nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you might need to adjust the baking powder since self-raising flour already contains it.

2. How can I decorate my Bento Cake?
You can use icing, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even edible flowers to decorate your Bento Cake. Let your creativity shine!

3. Can I freeze Bento Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting. Just wrap it well in cling film and aluminum foil, and it will be good for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.