Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe: Simple How To Make

Korean lunchbox cake recipe has been gaining popularity due to their adorable miniature size and delicious taste. 

These are not your regular cakes. 

Whether you’ve already seen them in korean cafes or are hearing about them for the first time, these adorable and delicious cakes are worth trying.

These mini layer cakes are perfect for fitting inside lunch boxes, making them a perfect treat to indulge in during a busy day. 

The lunchbox cake trend originated in South Korea and has since spread globally, with many home bakers and professional chefs putting their own creative spin on it.

These delightful miniature cakes usually consist of a cake base, frosting, and various filings to offer a wide range of flavor options. 

The best part about Korean lunchbox cakes is that they come in different flavors, so you never have to get tired of eating the same one.

Common cake bases include vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit-flavored sponges. 

The frosting options consist of buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream, which allows for customization and a fun baking experience.

Depending on the whole cake size and layers, you can prepare Korean lunch box cakes in a variety of baking pans, ranging from a jelly roll pan to a 9×13-inch pan. 

You could also use a sheet pan when baking your cake.

While there’s an abundance of Korean lunchbox cake recipes available, they all share the same concept of creating petite yet flavorful cakes perfect for snacking or sharing with loved ones.

Korean Lunch Box Cake Recipe

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Follow these step instructions to make these tasty small cakes at home: 

For this easy recipe, begin by preparing the cake base. 

In a large bowl, start whipping the eggs and sugar until the mixture triples in volume and becomes pale in color. 

Then, mix in the following ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup milk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup chocolate syrup

Bake the cake mix at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

After you take your tiny cake out of the oven, make sure to let the cake cool. 

Baking and Assembling Tips

To create the cake layers, cut the first layer of the cooled cake using a small round cookie cutter or glass to create 3 to 4 layers per cake. 

You could make a thick or thin cake layer, depending on your preference.

Apply a crumb coat of frosting between each layer and refrigerate the cakes for at least 30 minutes to help set the layers.

For the frosting, combine the following ingredients:

• ½ cup soft butter
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream

Mix the ingredients until smooth and silky, then frost the cakes completely.

You can tell if your mixture is smooth by seeing if it has stiff peaks that stand up straight. 

Decorating Lunchbox Cakes

To decorate the mini lunch box cakes, use whipped cream or buttercream in various colors. 

You can use food coloring to create the desired shades for decoration. 

Use a piping bag and different piping tips to make rosettes, dollops, and other decorative patterns. 

Add sprinkles, edible pearls, or other garnishes for a playful and creative touch.

Korean Lunch Box Cake Origin and Popularity

Origin of Lunch Box Cakes

Lunchbox cakes, also known as Korean bento cakes, are a type of small, single-serving cake served in a small takeaway box. 

These adorable little cakes originated in Korea and are made to fit in a lunchbox. 

With cake layers ranging from 4 to 6 inches in size, they are a minimalist and adorable dessert option, perfect for a special occasion and gifting.

Pandemic Influence

During the pandemic, many people sought ways to share celebrations and special moments with loved ones while keeping gatherings small. 

Korean lunchbox cakes became a popular choice, as they’re personalized and can be enjoyed individually or in small groups.

In other words, Korean lunch box cakes are great if you want to share cake with a couple of friends or eat them alone. 

Instagram and Pinterest Trends

The popularity of these Korean bento cakes has spread internationally, in part due to Instagram and Pinterest. 

The cute, minimalist design of these cakes, along with the wide variety of flavors and customization options, has made them a trending topic on social media platforms, leading to increased interest and demand.

Korean Bento Cake Variations

A Korean lunchbox cake comes in various flavors and can be decorated with messages or designs on top, making it a perfect birthday cake as well. 

Some of the popular flavors include:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Matcha
• Red velvet
• Strawberry

There are many more flavors to be explored, so you’re in luck if you happen to be a matcha or carrot cake fan.

Traditionally, these perfect size cakes are placed in to-go clamshell containers, such as a burger container, making them easy to transport and serve at picnics or celebrations. 

As their popularity has grown, so has the creativity in presentation and design, with many bakers showcasing their unique takes on these delightful Korean desserts.

Ingredients For Cake Variations

Vanilla Cake Ingredients

For a delicious vanilla cake for your Korean lunchbox cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk

This bento cake recipe goes like this: 

Combine the dry ingredients and then add in the wet ingredients, being sure to cream the butter and sugar together first. 

Bake the recently created cake batter in a large, flat pan for easy layering later on.

Chocolate Cake Ingredients

Switch it up with a chocolate cake for your Korean lunchbox cake recipe by using these ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Simply add cocoa powder to the flour mixture for your vanilla cake recipe if you want a chocolate cake variation instead.

Lemon Cake Ingredients

For a refreshing lemon cake, use the following ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Add zest and juice from one lemon to your vanilla cake recipe to make a delicious lemon-flavored, moist cake.

Frosting Ingredients

Choose your desired frosting to complement your chosen cake flavor. 

Here are some popular choices:

Vanilla Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 5 large egg whites
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Substitutions

Feel free to make some substitutions to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. 

You can substitute different types of sugar for the granulated sugar or try almond milk instead of regular milk. 

If you prefer a lighter frosting, use whipped cream frosting made from heavy whipping cream.

Tools and Equipment

To create an amazing Korean Lunch Box Cake, having the right tools and equipment is essential. 

Start with a sharp, serrated knife to slice through the cake layers, and a good quality spatula for spreading the buttercream frosting evenly over the cute mini cakes.

You’ll also need some tips to pipe the buttercream decorations onto your cake. 

Various tips in different shapes and sizes will help you create beautiful designs.

Additionally, use a piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap to line the work surface and for layering the cakes, making it easier to handle, as well as prevent them from sticking to the cake pan.

A toothpick can be particularly helpful for checking if the cakes are fully baked. 

Simply insert the toothpick into the cake, and if it comes out clean, your mini cakes are perfectly baked.

A hand mixer or a stand mixer with a mixing bowl used at medium speed will greatly assist in whipping up your buttercream frosting to be light, airy, and creamy. 

You may also want to freeze your cute cakes in a separate bowl for a short time to help achieve cleaner layers when cutting and handling them, similar to when you make a layer cake. 

Make sure to thaw your mini lunchbox cakes to room temperature before serving.

Adding gel food coloring to your buttercream frosting can provide a beautiful and vibrant touch to your Korean Lunch Box Cake. 

An offset spatula is a great tool for spreading the colored frosting evenly and smoothly, particularly when frosting the sides of the cake.

When it comes to decorating your cake, piping bags are indispensable. 

Fill your bags with the buttercream frosting, and use the tips to create stunning and fancy decorations on the cake. 

Toppings And Presentation

As for the toppings, fresh fruit would make a great addition to the top of the cake.

Underneath your cakes, you could place cake circles for a neat presentation, which also serve as disposable plates.

A bench scraper can help achieve smooth and clean edges as you spread the frosting across the cake’s surface.

As for packaging your cake, consider using clamshell takeout boxes, bento boxes, or other to-go containers to keep your cake secure and looking lovely until it reaches its destination.

You can also use ribbon to tie around the cake for added charm.

Last but not least, use tape to seal the box or airtight container carrying your Korean Lunch Box Cake, ensuring it stays fresh and intact throughout its journey.

This small size of cake is ideal for take-outs, so be sure to consider bringing a Korean lunch box cake rather than any of the full-size cakes when you go someplace.

Customization and Gifting Ideas

Height and Size Options

Korean lunch box cakes are known for their versatile size and height options. 

You can tailor the height by stacking layers of cake and adjusting the thickness accordingly. 

A standard recipe uses 3 layers, but feel free to increase it if you want a taller cake. 

In other words, there’s no need to worry if you do not initially have a full-sized cake, as you could always add a thicker layer for some extra height. 

To create different sizes, simply use various baking dishes or ramekin dishes for small size cakes, which will also make it easier to control portion sizes and customize individual cakes.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These delightful little cakes can be served on their own or with creative presentations to impress your guests. 

Some ideas include:

• Drizzling simple syrup over the cake for an extra layer of flavor and moisture

• Adorning the presentation plate with fresh berries or fruit slices

• Adding frosting designs or decorative toppings, such as sprinkles, nuts, or edible flowers

Gift Ideas for Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Holidays

Korean lunch box cakes make perfect gifts for special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries. 

These petite-sized desserts would even make a tasty addition to a casual picnic. 

Due to their cost-effective nature, you can afford to bake and gift multiple cakes without breaking the bank. 

Some suggestions for gifting these cakes include:

• Packaging them in a decorative lunch box or bento box with a personalized note

• Displaying them on a festive plate tied with a ribbon and cellophane wrap

• Using themed decorations to match the event, such as anniversary or holiday-specific cake toppers

Who wouldn’t love to get a small package that contains a bento box cake, accompanied with a cute message, as a perfect gift for special events?

Tips for a Perfect Korean Lunch Box Cake

Here are some secret tips for making your Korean lunch box cake the best it can be:

• Use a bench scraper to ensure smooth and even layers when applying frosting to the cake

• Check the nutrition facts for each ingredient and experiment with healthier substitutes, such as using non-dairy milk or swapping out sugars to cater to dietary preferences

• Remember the cakes’ origin and consider incorporating traditional Korean flavors, such as green tea or red bean paste, for a unique twist on this dessert

With these tips and ideas, you’ll be able to customize your Korean lunch box cake creations and impress your friends and family with a great gift that is thoughtful, delicious, and memorable.

Final Thoughts

The Korean lunch box cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines simplicity, creativity, and cultural influence.

With its compact size and convenient packaging, it serves as a portable and appealing dessert option.

Whether it’s for a lunch break at school, a picnic, or a special occasion, this cake brings a touch of Korean culinary tradition to any setting.

By following the recipe, one can experience the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make this cake a beloved part of Korean cuisine.

So why not try your hand at creating this delicious and visually appealing dessert, and bring a taste of Korea to your table?

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