Bento Cakes (Lunchbox Cakes)
There’s something really, really special about cake. I’m not sure what it is, but people smile when they see it. When they taste it. When they’re packing up the leftovers because, “Thank you, Lord,” there’s more for later. I never turn down an opportunity to make someone cake.
Baby showers, weddings, birthdays, I’d bake for any occasion if asked. But there’s something uniquely extraordinary about mini cakes.
It’s the kind of thing that can be given away for any reason whatsoever.
Want to express well wishes, but think a card feels too basic?
Need to apologize?
Looking to welcome a new neighbor to the neighborhood?
Trying to find a sweet way of saying thank you?
You’ll find that cake can be the answer to just about anything. And it’s such a memorable way of showing hospitality. If you want a gift that’s out of the ordinary, and will not be easily forgotten…
This is it.
Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
- Do: Choose cake fillings that do not need to be refrigerated.
- Jams and buttercreams are two of your best options.
- They are not prone to spoilage and can be left out at room temperature for several hours.
- This makes it easy for the recipient to continue about their day without feeling stressed.
- A gift, especially one given unexpectedly, should be as CONVENIENT as possible.
- Jams and buttercreams are two of your best options.
- Do NOT:
- Use fresh fruit
- Use whipped cream
- Use cream cheese or other frostings that require immediate refrigeration.
- All of these may be considered in SOME cases, where it’s a relatively cold day, or you know the recipient will be returning home soon after the gift is given.
- I.E: Neighbors, family members…
- All of these may be considered in SOME cases, where it’s a relatively cold day, or you know the recipient will be returning home soon after the gift is given.
- Do: Make your cake decorations as elaborate or as simple as you’d like.
- Do NOT: Make them so large or tall that you can no longer fit the cake in the lunchbox.
- Do: Have lots, and lots of fun with these!
Practice, practice, practice!
It’s true that it’s the thought that counts. Just the mere fact that you took precious time out of your life to bake and decorate a cake for your friend or neighbor will truly say a lot.
But in all honesty…
Your success will be subconsciously measured by how beautiful and how tasty your cake is. You want them to secretly be looking forward to the idea of receiving another cake from you in the future… You do NOT want them to be so unimpressed by your creation that they might cringe at the thought receiving another.
With that said!
I’ve included a very simple, albeit DELICIOUS flavor combination and basic assembly instructions that I’m just about positive you won’t go wrong with. I have gifted this same cake many times myself and it always ends with the same heartwarming outcome…
They usually ask for more!!
Bento Cakes
Instructions
Cake
- See recipe for Perfect Vanilla Sponge Cake.
Buttercream
- See recipe for Vanilla Bean Italian Meringue Buttercream.
Assembly
- Dab a small blob of cream to the center of a 5 or 6in cake board. This will help adhere your cake to the board as you frost it.
- Using a pastry brush, blot a simple syrup all over the bottom and top of the first sponge cake layer. Don't be tempted to skip this step! It plays a significant role in keeping your cake layers moist over time.
- Apply a generous layer of cream to the bottom layer, before topping it with your second (simple syrup soaked) cake layer. Repeat the prior steps until you've finished with the last layer.
- Crumb coat the cake, then move it to the freezer for 15mins before applying your last outer layer of cream. You're ready to finish when the cold cream no longer sticks to your finger when you touch it.The finished frosted cake can be left out at room temperature for 1-2 days and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, it can be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil and left to sit in the freezer for several months. The freshness of the cake will greatly depend on how well it's been wrapped and stored.
