What is a Bento Cake?
Bento cakes, often referred to as Korean bento cakes or lunch box cakes, are a charming trend originating from Korea, where they are known as “dosirak cakes” (도시락 케이크). These mini cakes are elegantly packaged in small, typically clear, containers akin to the bento boxes popularised by Japanese cuisine. Their petite size makes them perfect for individual servings and they reflect a philosophy of enjoying a sweet treat without the commitment to a larger cake.
These cakes are often intricately decorated with whimsical designs, messages, or themes, and are popular gifts for friends, family, and loved ones on special occasions. They are a canvas for creativity, often featuring buttercream flowers, delicate piping, and personalised inscriptions. Despite their small size, they pack a delightful punch, with flavours and textures that are as impressive as their larger counterparts.
Now, let’s look at our recipe that captures the essence of these Korean bento cakes, incorporating a moist chocolate base that can serve as the foundation for your creative decorations.
Chocolate Bento Cake Recipe
Equipment:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup raw cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, at room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Buttercream:
- 400 grams cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 350grams heavy cream
- Food colouring of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line your tin with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until it is thick and a creamy colour. Add the oil, and milk with lemon juice.
- Combine and Bake:
- Gradually mix the flour mixture and cocoa until combined and batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tin for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cakes:
- With a round cake cutter, cut out your cake layers being careful so they don’t break.
- How to Make the Bento Cake Icing:
- Beat the cream and powdered sugar until thick and creamy. In another bowl beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add the whipped cream mixture and beat until nicely combined and a soft, piping consistency. Separate your icing into a bowl for each cake, and add your choice of food colouring.
- Assemble the Cakes:
- If the cakes have domed, level the tops with a knife.
- Spread a thin layer of ganache over each cake, then add a layer of buttercream, smoothing with a spatula or piping it on.
- Decorate:
- This is where the Korean influence shines. Decorate with piping bags fitted with various nozzles to create flowers, rosettes, and writing. You can also use small fondant shapes, edible glitter, or even miniature figurines for decoration.
- Package Your Cake:
- Once decorated, carefully place each cake into a clean bento box or clear plastic container. The idea is to present a beautiful, self-contained treat that feels like a gift.
These Korean-inspired chocolate bento cakes are as much about the aesthetics as they are about flavour. Whether for a birthday cake, dessert, anniversary, or just because, they’re a thoughtful and customisable way to show someone you care. Enjoy the process of creating and personalising each one!
FAQ’s
How is Bento Cake different from Cake?
A bento cake, also known as a lunchbox cake, differs from normal cakes in several key ways:
1. Size: Bento cakes are much smaller than regular cakes, typically designed to serve one or two people. They are usually around 4 inches in diameter, fitting into a bento box or small container.
2. Portability: Bento cakes are made for convenience and portability, often packaged in a way that makes them easy to carry, similar to a packed lunch. This makes them ideal for gifting or enjoying on the go.
3. Design: Bento cakes often have simpler, minimalist designs compared to the elaborate decorations seen on many normal cakes. They often feature cute, whimsical, or personalised decorations.
4. Occasions: While regular cakes are often made for larger celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or other parties, bento cakes are popular for more personal, intimate occasions or as thoughtful gifts.
5. Packaging: Bento cakes come in neat, often eco-friendly packaging that enhances their aesthetic appeal. This packaging is usually functional, allowing the cake to remain intact and fresh during transport.
What is the Size of Bento Cake?
A bento cake is a cute, mini-sized cake, perfect for a sweet personal treat! Typically, it’s about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) tall. It’s smaller than a regular cake, making it just the right size to fit into a small lunch or takeaway box, often a bento box (hence the name). This compact size also makes it easier to decorate with charming, delicate designs!
How Many People Does a Bento Cake Serve?
Since bento cakes are small and personal, they are usually meant for one person to enjoy on their own, though they can also be shared between two people if you just want a small, sweet treat. So whether it’s a special treat just for you or a fun little cake to share with a friend, it’s perfect for those moments when you don’t need a large cake but still want something delightful.
What Paper is Used for Bento Cake?
To keep these little cakes neat and tidy, they’re often placed on greaseproof paper or parchment paper inside the box. This paper helps prevent the cake from sticking to the box and keeps it fresh while adding to the overall presentation. The bento boxes themselves are typically made from food-safe materials like paper or plastic, and they’re usually disposable, making them easy to carry and clean up after enjoying your cake.
These cakes are a big hit for celebrations or just for fun, with their charming designs and convenient size!