Bento Cake 🥧

Sure! Here's a detailed, step-by-step recipe for a delicious bento cake, written in a warm and human tone:

Bento Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

- 2 large eggs

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted

- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Food coloring (optional)

- Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a small 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, and beat until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk. If using, mix in a few drops of food coloring until the desired color is achieved.

5. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cake is completely cooled, level the top with a knife if necessary. Cut the cake in half horizontally to create two layers.

Place the bottom layer on your serving plate or a small cake board. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set.

Once the crumb coat is set, apply a final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. Decorate with sprinkles or other decorations as desired.

6. Pack the Cake:

Carefully place the decorated cake in a bento box or a small container for a cute presentation. If you have a divider, you can add some fruits, cookies, or other treats next to the cake.

7. Enjoy!

Your adorable bento cake is ready to enjoy! Perfect for a small celebration or a sweet surprise in a lunchbox.

Enjoy your baking! This little bento cake is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face with its delightful size and taste.