- Content
You’ve definitely seen them on Instagram. Bento cakes are miniature cakes in boxes with funny inscriptions. This Korean trend has taken Ukraine by storm and has become a great business idea for novice confectioners. Such a dessert is a personal gift, a way to say something important, and an opportunity to celebrate without a reason. What’s more, many people want to buy a bento cake instead of a large cake for a small group.
What is a bento cake and where did it come from?
Although the word “bento” is Japanese and means a boxed lunch for one person, the idea of a mini cake originated in South Korea. It was there that confectioners began to make small cakes, decorate them in a minimalist style, and pack them in lunch boxes. The boom in popularity occurred during the pandemic, when a custom-made bento cake became the perfect gift that could be sent by courier.
Key differences:
- It is designed for 1-2 people, weighs 300-500 g, and has a diameter of 10-12 cm.
- An eco-friendly box (often made of sugar cane) is complemented by a spoon or fork and a candle, creating a ready-made gift set.
- Light cream, pastel colors, simple drawings, or short inscriptions without the use of mastic.
Why are they so popular?
The secret to the success of bento cakes is that they fit perfectly into the modern world:
- the cakes are made for social media, their appearance attracts new customers,
- the inscription or drawing turns the dessert into a “sweet postcard,”
- they are ideal for small events, anniversaries, or just to lift your spirits, because the desire to order a bento cake can arise spontaneously.
- they are cheaper than large cakes, and the small portions are suitable for those who watch their diet.
Prices in Ukraine vary greatly. Here is how much you can buy a custom-made bento cake in different cities (standard cake 400-500 g):
- Kyiv: 650–950 UAH.
- Lviv: 550–800 UAH.
- Odesa: 600–850 UAH.
- Vinnytsia: 420–600 UAH.
- Dnipro: 550–700 UAH.
Recipe for beginners
Most bento cakes are based on classic sponge cake and cream cheese-based cream (cream cheese). If you are looking for a recipe for how to make a bento cake yourself, this simple recipe is for you.
Classic sponge cake (for one 10-12 cm cake)
- 1-2 eggs,
- 30-60 g sugar,
- 30-60 g flour,
- a pinch of baking powder,
- 1 tbsp milk,
- 1 tbsp oil.
Beat the eggs with sugar until fluffy and light in color, add the liquid ingredients, and then carefully fold in the sifted dry ingredients.
Stable cream cheese
- 200-250 g cold cream cheese,
- 50-90 ml cold heavy cream (33%),
- 30-50 g powdered sugar.
Beat everything with a mixer until thick.
Important: use high-quality cream cheese (not cheese product) and heavy cream, otherwise the cream will “float.”
The most popular fillings
The cake may look simple on the outside, but inside it is a real feast of flavors. Trendy fillings:
- Berry – a classic combination of sponge cake with sour cherries, strawberries, or raspberries in the form of a confit or sauce.
- Chocolate-caramel: the hit is “Snickers” (chocolate sponge cake, salted caramel, peanuts), as well as variations of “chocolate-cherry” and “coffee-chocolate.”
- Exotic and fruity – mango-coconut, banana-caramel, and lemon curd are popular for their fresh taste.
- Classic flavors adapted to the bento format include red velvet and carrot cake.
To start with, choose 5-7 tried and tested flavors — that will be enough.
15 bento cake ideas for inspiration
Minimalism is in vogue right now: plain cakes, simple cream designs, decorations made from fresh berries or small marshmallows. But if you want to be ahead of the curve, pay attention to upcoming trends.
Plain minimalism.
Cream strokes.
Cute animals.
Fresh berries.
Smiley cake.
Watercolor spots.
Small flowers.
Hearts.
Geometric patterns.
Cartoon characters.
Ombre effect.
“Naked” cake.
Sprinkles and pearls.
Themed designs.
Gold accents.
Where to order bento cakes and cupcakes in Ukraine
Looking for where to order the perfect bento cake or delicate cupcakes in Khmelnytskyi? Of course, the best choice is to contact us at the Nasoloda confectionery! We are a family business with 20 years of experience, and our confectioners will lovingly make any of your sweet dreams come true. If you want to buy a bento cake of the highest quality, visit our brand stores throughout the city. To order a bento cake or a bento cake with cupcakes, call: +380 73 560 00 25.
We are a family business with 20 years of experience, and our confectioners will lovingly make any of your sweet dreams come true.
