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Bento Cakes

Bento cakes are charming mini desserts that are easy to make and customizable for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter 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
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sifted
  • 2 tbsp cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 4-inch round cake pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add egg and vanilla, and mix well.
Mix and Bake
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, alternating with milk.
  3. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22–25 minutes.
  4. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).
Cool and Level
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a rack.
  2. Once fully cooled, level the cake top and slice horizontally into 2–3 layers.
Make Frosting and Fill
  1. Beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat for 5 minutes.
  3. Set aside 1/3 of the frosting for the outer layer; color the rest as desired.
  4. Spread frosting between layers and apply a crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.
Decorate
  1. Apply the final frosting layer.
  2. Get creative with piping bags and edible markers.
  3. Personalize with colors, names, or designs and top with sprinkles or berries if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the cake chill after applying the crumb coat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for 1-2 months.