Easy Lunchbox Cakes: Your Complete Guide

Lunchbox (or bento) cakes are mini cakes originating from South Korea. They are packaged and eaten inside takeout boxes, making them perfect for gifts. Each one contains small layers of cake that are stacked, frosted, and often decorated with messages or simple piping.

What Exactly is a Lunchbox Cake?

Lunchbox cakes are small, individual cakes. They are usually 3 to 4 inches wide and can be taller if you use more layers. The lunchbox cakes have two or three layers and end up being 4 to 5 inches wide after frosting. How tall they get depends on the frosting design and the type of box I use.

Each of the two-layer lunchbox cakes is like having 4 cupcakes or 1-2 slices of cake for adults.

You can use any frosting you like, whether it’s buttercream or whipped cream. These cakes often have a simple, minimalist design. If you’re good at writing with frosting (I’m not!), adding little messages on top makes them even cuter.

For presentation, these cakes are put in small takeout containers and sometimes come with candles or a spoon. The idea is to make them easy to sell or gift, so people can enjoy them straight from the container.

What Kind of Cake Do You Need for Lunchbox Cakes?

1. When choosing cake sizes for lunchbox cakes, it’s smart to consider your box size first. For example, if you have a 6-inch square box, cakes that are 4 inches or smaller in diameter work best. Remember that the frosting adds extra width, so your cake needs to fit comfortably without squishing the designs.
2. Also, check that the height and width of the cake leave enough space in the box to avoid pressing down on your decorations. That’s why we usually stick to two layers for these mini cakes.
3. You can use any flavor of cake you like! Now, let’s figure out how to get the right cake size for your lunchbox cakes.

What pans do you need to make lunchbox cakes?

Sheet Pan Method

You can use any sheet pan, but I prefer half-sheet pans for baking mini cakes. Bake a thin layer of cake in the sheet pan, then use a round cutter or small bowl to cut out little cake circles. You can get many mini cakes this way, depending on the size of your cutter.

Advantages:

• No need for special pans.
• You can cut out different shapes, like hearts or circles.

Disadvantages:

• You’ll have lots of scraps, which can be useful for making other treats like cakesicles or cake cups.

Silicone Mold Method

That sounds like a great setup for consistency with your mini cakes! Having a mold like that can make it so much easier to get uniform sizes every time. Do you find that it saves you a lot of time compared to using sheet pans and cutters?

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of using the silicone molds for your mini cakes:

Advantages

• Perfectly Flat Layers: Ensures even and flat cake layers every time.
• Fewer Cake Scraps: Minimizes waste with precise, uniform shapes.
• Super-Efficient: Ideal for a lunchbox cake business, offering consistent results.

Disadvantages

• Additional Purchase: Requires buying another baking pan, though it’s versatile for brownies and ice cream patties as well.
• Heat Conductivity: Does not conduct heat as efficiently, resulting in no crispy sides or bottoms.

How much frosting do you need?

For 4-inch mini cakes with 2 layers, we can use about 1 cup of frosting per cake. This amount is usually enough for filling and piping any designs on top.

Final Thought

Lunchbox cakes are not just a trend but a delightful way to personalize and share a sweet treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a thoughtful gift, or just because, these mini cakes are a perfect blend of creativity and convenience. With their simple yet charming presentation, lunchbox cakes are sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives them. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, give lunchbox cakes a try and enjoy the process of making these adorable and tasty creations.