Description
This adorable Chocolate Bento Cake is the perfect single-serving dessert! Moist chocolate cake layers are paired with a decadent chocolate buttercream frosting for a treat that’s as delicious as it is cute. Great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot coffee or hot water
- For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a small, oven-safe container (like a ramekin or small square pan, about 4-inch size).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee or hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared container.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the container for a few minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the chocolate buttercream. Decorate as desired!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use strong brewed coffee.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Get creative with your decorations! Use sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even edible markers to personalize your bento cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 5g