Ultimate Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe

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Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe

We are so excited to share our recipe and tutorial with you on how you can easily make this Korean lunch box cake recipe to enjoy mini cakes made from scratch! These cakes are so adorable, you have got to try them. Plus, they are delicious, you simply can’t miss out! 

Korean Lunch Box Cake chocolate

Lunch Box Cakes

Lunchbox cakes are exactly as they sound. They are little cakes, that started with a trend out of Korea, and our cakes are small and made the size to fit in a lunchbox. They can range in a variety of flavors, the mini cakes are just so cute, they are a perfect little treat. 

Easy and Tasty Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe

Korean lunch box cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make and tastes delicious. These mini cakes are the perfect taste of sweetness, that are enjoyable for any event, or occasion.

We are excited to share with you an easy recipe to make these delicious mini cakes, using basic kitchen utensils you have around, that can help to make the perfect cake. 

Korean Lunchbox Cake Recipe: Make Adorable Mini Bento Fit Cakes! 

A mini cake or bento cakes are small Korean lunchbox size cakes. These little cakes are so small, and cute, they are adorable for any special occasion. These little cakes are great, because they are personal-sized, and you don’t have to worry about dividing them. 

Cute Mini Lunchbox Cakes From Scratch

Not only are these mini cakes a thing in Korea, but they are spreading throughout the world along with their popularity. These mini lunchbox cakes are the perfect size for a personal piece of cake, and can be decorated any way you want, and they can be made with any type of cake you desire.

We are excited to share a recipe with you that is one of our favorites, they will help you to make your own homemade mini lunch box cakes from scratch. 

Korean Lunch Box Cake side view

The little box of big happiness: The innovative Korean lunch box cake

These mini cakes that are the size of a takeout box, or lunch bags, are a little sliver of happiness in a box. Mini cakes are perfect, and oh so adorable!

How To Make Lunch Box Cakes

The process of making mini Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe is surprisingly easy. The great thing about it, is that you can make them any flavor you want, and make as many as you want.

Let’s begin learning how you can make lunch box cakes from scratch, by first looking at what types of tools then ingredients you will need. 

Cake Main Tools and Ingredients

Tools:

Mixing bowl. A mixing bowl is needed to combine all of the ingredients and stir them together thoroughly. 

Measuring cup. Measuring cups help you determine how much of each ingredient to add to your mixture. 

Cooking spray. Cooking spray is important as it helps your cake batter not stick to your baking pan. 

Ramakins. When I was first making these mini cakes, my biggest question that came to mind was what I was going to use to bake them in as they are so small. I found that if you have little ramekin baking dishes, these work perfectly!

Cookie Sheet & Cookie Cutter. On the other hand, if you do not have ramekins at your disposal, a cookie sheet, and a cookie-cutter will work as well. Only, when using a cookie sheet, you will have extras leftover, and you will want to make a lot of cakes. 

Chocolate Cake Ingredients:

Butter

Egg

Baking powder

Baking soda

Salt

Sugar

Vanilla

Milk

Flour

Chocolate syrup

Buttercream Ingredients:

Butter

Powdered sugar

Cocoa powder

Milk

Vanilla

How to Make Lunch Box Cakes: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Now that you know all of the ingredients we suggest using to make your chocolate cake and buttercream frosting, please turn your attention to the step-by-step method of how this cake can easily be made. 

Method

For the cake

To make your cake, begin by melting your butter then adding all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. When all ingredients are added, stir to combine. 

Spray your ramekin dishes with cooking spray, and pour your batter into the dishes. Heat your oven to 350°F, and bake your cakes, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Allow the cakes to cool before turning them out of their dishes. 

For the buttercream

Now, to make the buttercream, in a mixing bowl, add your soft butter, and cream until soft. Next, combine cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir to combine.

Korean Lunch Box Cake chocolate with lemon in background

How To Assemble Lunch Box Cakes

After your cake has cooled, and your buttercream has been prepared it is time to assemble your cakes.

First, trim off any bumps, from your cake so that you have two smooth cakes.

Then, take the bottom layer add a dollop of buttercream, and smooth it across the top.

Then, take your other cake and stack it on top. Cover the entire outside with frosting. 

For the sprinkles/decorations

You can decorate your mini cake any way you wish. Some easy and fun ideas are to use berries, chocolates, and sprinkles. 

Mini Lunch Box Cakes Recipe

Yield: Makes 2 mini cakes

Ingredients

Ingredients For the cake base

¼ cup soft butter

1 large egg

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar

½ tsp vanilla

1/3 cup milk

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup chocolate syrup

For the frosting

½ cup butter, soft

1 cup cocoa powder

¼ cup milk or heavy cream

3 tsp vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, egg, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, vanilla, milk, flour, and chocolate syrup. Stir to combine. Pour into lightly greased ramekin dishes.

Bake at 350°F, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool, before turning them out of their baking dish to fully cool. 

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream your softened butter. Then combine soft butter with cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir until combined. 

Step 3: Stack and Crumb Coat the Cake Layers

When your cake has cooled, you can begin frosting the cake. First, take one layer of cake and coat the top with frosting. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting. 

Step 4: Add a Second Layer of Frosting

Next, coat your mini cakes in frosting so that no parts of the cake show through. Smooth out your frosting.

Step 5: Decorate as Desired!

Now comes the fun part! Decorate your cake any way you wish, before serving and enjoying your delicious treats! 

Notes

If you do not have access to ramekin baking dishes, you may also use a greased 9×13 cake pan. Simply bake your cake until it is done and allow it to cool. Then take a circle cookie cutter and cut your cake layers out. Prepare and layer them as instructed above. 

Nutrition Facts

We have estimated that one serving contains approximately 875 calories. We have also estimated that one serving contains 40g total fat, 142mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 123.1g total carbohydrates, and 10.1g protein.

Korean Lunch Box Cake close up mini cake

Tips for Making the Best Lunch Box Cake:

Cake Baking Tips

When baking your mini cakes, it is important that you do not overbake them. I have a double oven, which is when I have estimated the time for above. These mini cakes should take approximately the amount of time it takes to bake cupcakes.

To tell if your cakes are done, you can insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, they are good to go. You can also take your finger and press the top of the cakes. If they spring back, they are also done. 

Decorating Tips For Success

Tip 1: When frosting your cake, it is important to cover your cake sufficiently with frosting, so that you do not pour crumbs from the cake itself. 

Tip 2: You can also dip your knife in a cup of water, to help you achieve a smooth surface if desired. 

Decorating Ideas For Lunch Box Cakes

There are so many different ways you can decorate your cake. It’s hard to list them all. Some of the main themes include birthday cake, flowers, swirls, a plain cake, the key is to simply use your imagination and decorate to your heart’s content. 

Making this Lunch Box Cake in Advance & Storage Tips:

Because these mini lunchbox cakes can be made in advance, it is important to know the best way to store these packaged these little cakes. Below are a few ideas, that will help you keep the cakes fresh as long as possible. 

Storage and packaging details

Packaging Tips

These mini Korean lunch box cakes get their name because they are typically served in a lunchbox or to-go box. You can package them any way you desire, simply be sure they are secured well before sending them off. 

Storage Tips

When you’re storing these Korean lunch box cakes it is important that they are placed into an airtight container or sealed into an airtight storage bag. This will help prevent them from drying out and will help keep them fresh as long as possible. 

Freezing Instructions 

Your mini Korean lunchbox cakes that can also be frozen if you wish. To freeze, you will want to place them into an airtight container, or freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible.

Removing the air will help to prevent them from getting freezer burnt. Placed into the freezer, for up to 2 or 3 months. For best results, we recommend storing your mini cakes in the freezer for no more than one month, as they tend to lose a bit of their flavor the longer that they are in the freezer. 

Substitutions and Swaps – Chocolate Cake Layers

The above cake recipe can easily be adapted so that it is a different flavor besides chocolate. To adapt the cake, simply leave out the chocolate syrup, and you have vanilla.

Or, for a lemon-flavored cake, simply leave out the chocolate syrup, and add lemon juice, and lemon zest. No matter what flavor of cake you prefer, the above recipe works great with a few easy substitutions. 

Substitutions and Swaps – Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

The above recipe is for chocolate buttercream, however, you can easily make vanilla buttercream frosting, or other flavors as well if you wish.

A good base buttercream recipe is 1 cup shortening, ½ cup soft butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 Tbsp milk, and 1 pound of powdered sugar. From this basic vanilla recipe, you can adapt it to be any flavor you desire. 

Cute Lunch Box Cakes With Whipped Cream Frosting (Bento Cakes)

For those of you who prefer whipped frosting, we have you covered with a delicious whipped cream frosting, that tastes very much like whipped cream. 

Whipped Cream Frosting Instructions 

Step 1: Take 2 cups of heavy cream, and add it to your mixing bowl. Whisk on high until stiff peaks begin to form. Mix in 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, and whisk again.

Just as your peaks are beginning to form, add 3.3 ounces instant white chocolate pudding mix, and whisk until your stiff peaks form. Transfer your frosting to a piping bag, and pipe as desired. 

Korean Lunch Box Cake top down

Frequently Asked Questions

What are lunchbox cakes?

A lunchbox cake is exactly as it sounds. It is a mini cake, designed to fit in a small lunchbox. 

What size is a lunchbox cake?

On average, lunchbox cakes are less than 4 inches in diameter. They can vary in their height. 

How Big Are Lunch Box Cakes?

Lunchbox cakes are small cakes, that are typically about 4 inches in diameter, and can vary in their height.

Why make a lunch box cake?

Lunch box cakes are adorable! Once you are aware of them, it is hard to not want to make one. They are individual serving size mini little cakes, they are perfect for a ton of different occasions. 

What size are lunch box cakes?

Lunchbox cakes are approximately 4 inches in diameter or less. In other words, they are very small personal size cakes. 

What size are the containers for lunch box cakes?

You can use any kind of container for these mini cakes, however, they need to have a center that is at least 4 inches wide in order to fit these mini cakes.

How do you decorate them?

You can decorate these mini cakes any way you wish! These little cakes are perfect to simply frost, or decorate in an extravagant design, however you wish they are adorable. 

What Are Bento Cakes?

Bento cakes simply means mini cakes. 

How To Bake Bento Cakes?

Bento cakes should be baked less than an eight or 9-inch cake since they are much smaller, they are more comparable to baking cupcakes. For a recipe, we recommend baking these mini cakes between 15 and 20 minutes. 

How to decorate Bento Cakes?

The beauty of these mini bento cakes is that they can be decorated any way you wish!

What is the meaning of Bento cake?

Bento cake means mini cakes, so it is literally talking about these miniature cakes. 

What is a bento box cake?

A bento box cake is a miniature cake that comes in a box, oftentimes from a bakery. 

How much does Bento cake cost?

The cost of a bento cake can vary depending upon where you get it, or if you choose to make it. To make a miniature cake is very inexpensive, however, purchasing a bento cake from a bakery is typically fairly pricey. 

What is the size of Korean lunchbox cakes?

The size of Korean lunchbox cakes typically is 4 inches across the top or less. 

How big is a bento cake?

A bento cake is quite small. Typically, bento cakes are approximately 4 inches across, or even smaller in some cases. 

How do you make a bento cake?

The main difference between making a bento cake, and a full-size cake, is that bento cakes are made in a smaller baking dish, or baked in a sheet pan, and cut out using a cookie cutter. Otherwise, the process of making a bento cake is similar to your average cake recipe. 

How do you make a bento meal?

A bento meal is literally a mini-meal. Do you make your own mini-meal, you can start out by choosing a small dish, then filling it with your desired meal, and miniature portions. 

How big is a lunch box?

Lunchboxes can vary in size. To-go boxes or lunch boxes that fit lunchbox cakes, typically have at least a 4-inch center to fit the cake into. 

Is cake a food?

Well, a cake is edible and tastes delicious, therefore it is the food. On the other hand, we could question whether a cake is a healthy food or not, which can depend upon the type of cake it is. 

What is Korean minimalist cake?

A Korean minimalist cake is a cake that does not have a ton of decorations on it. This is typically a basic cake, with not much decoration or flair to it, but little in size and tastes delicious. 

How do you make mini cakes?

The key to making mini cakes is to have a mini baking dish. We recommend using ramekins to make your mini cakes successfully. 

How many people does a bento cake feed?

Typically, a bento cake, or miniature cake it’s an average of 1 to 2 people. Typically, bento cakes I looked at as individual cakes. 

What is bento cooking?

Bento cooking is a way of saying miniature cooking so that your things are all small. 

Korean Lunch Box Cakes

Taste. Melt in your mouth amazing!

Calories. Depends on how you make your cake. We estimate approximately 875 calories per serving. 

Common Flavors. There are so many different flavors you can enjoy of these mini cakes! Some of our favorites include vanilla, chocolate, and lemon! 

Frosting. Frosting on these cakes can range from buttercream to whipped topping. While our favorite is buttercream, there are a lot of good options available. 

Cooking Tips. Treat these mini lunchbox cakes like cupcakes in that they bake for a shorter amount of time. You can insert a toothpick into the center to tell when the cake is finished baking and should be removed from your oven. 

Perfect Occasions For Bento Cake

There are so many different occasions that these mini cakes are perfect for. Below are a few of the top ideas when these cakes are perfect!

Small Gatherings

Gifting (Especially During Covid)

Party Favors

Cake Smash

Kids Activity

If You Love Cakes, You Don’t Wanna Miss These Korean Bento Cakes

For all of you cake lovers out there, you will want to be sure you don’t miss out on these delicious miniature cakes. These cute little cakes are perfect for so many different occasions, or simply to make for no occasion at all! 

Easy Mini Lunch Box Cakes!!

Making mini Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe from scratch is surprisingly easy to do! We are excited to share with you the above recipe which walks you through ideas on how you too can make and enjoy these adorable miniature cakes!

Korean Lunch Box Cake

Our Korean lunch box cake recipe will walk you through how you can make these easy and delicious miniature cakes from scratch. These little cakes are so delicious, you simply have got to try out this amazing recipe to make these adorable mini cakes! 

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We here at CookThink have been cooking and baking for many years! We love to share our recipes, and hope you will enjoy them too!

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