Description
This adorable Bento Cake is a personal-sized treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is to gift. With its soft, fluffy sponge layers and customizable decorations, it’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. The light buttercream frosting and moist vanilla cake base make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan or cupcake pan (for cutting rounds) with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble Cake: Cut 3-inch circles from the cooled cake. Stack 2–3 layers with buttercream in between and around the sides. Smooth and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Flavor twist: Add lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
- Make-ahead: Cake layers can be made a day in advance and stored wrapped in the fridge.
- Frosting variations: Try whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
- Decorations: Add sprinkles, mini toppers, or piped flowers for extra charm.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
