why make this recipe
Korean Bento Cake, also known as Lunchbox Cake, is not just a treat for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds! These small, beautifully decorated cakes are perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or any special occasion. They are simple to make and can be customized with different colors and decorations, making them fun for everyone. Plus, who wouldn’t love a slice of delicious cake shaped perfectly to fit inside a lunchbox?
how to make Lunchbox Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g unsalted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla essence
- 150 g self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch salt (optional)
- 150 g unsalted butter (for buttercream)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 2 tbsp hot water (for buttercream)
- Food colouring (optional)
- Decorative icing (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan. Grease a 6-inch cake tin with a little butter and line it with baking parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the sugar, self-raising flour, and cocoa powder. Then add the softened unsalted butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for about 30 minutes or until the center is fully cooked. To check, poke a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the buttercream. In a mixing bowl, sift the icing sugar and add the softened butter. Beat the mixture with a spatula or hand whisk for about 5 minutes until it is smooth. This step requires some patience! Once the buttercream is smooth, add in the vanilla extract, any food coloring, and hot water. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Put the buttercream in the fridge while you cool the cake.
- After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. Cut off the top crust and slice the cake horizontally to create two even layers.
- Assemble the lunchbox cake by spreading buttercream on each layer. Apply the first coat of frosting. After 15 minutes, add the final layer of frosting, decorate, and serve.
how to serve Lunchbox Cake
Serving Lunchbox Cake is simple! You can cut it into small squares or cute shapes that fit perfectly in a lunchbox. Decorate it with colorful icing or sprinkles to make it even more appealing. This cake is delightful on its own or paired with fruits and drinks for a complete meal.
how to store Lunchbox Cake
Store the Lunchbox Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge and enjoy!
tips to make Lunchbox Cake
- Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the buttercream by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
- Experiment with different food colorings to create unique designs!
- If you want a more chocolatey flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder slightly.
variation
You can change up the flavor of the cake by replacing some of the self-raising flour with almond flour or adding matcha for a green tea flavor. Adding fruit purees or nuts can also give your cake a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
3. How can I make the buttercream dairy-free?
You can use vegan butter or a dairy-free margarine instead of regular butter for the buttercream.
