Tom & Jerry Bento Cake
A cute and playful bento cake featuring soft vanilla sponge and smooth buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations or as a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- Food coloring (for decoration)
- Edible printed toppers or cartoon chocolate pieces (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 4-inch round baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a rack before frosting.
Buttercream Preparation
- Beat butter until light, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Assembly and Decoration
- Slice the cake into two layers, spread frosting between them, and frost the outside. Smooth with an offset spatula.
- Decorate with colored buttercream hearts and edible Tom & Jerry toppers. Finish with a small candle for a cozy celebration.
Notes
Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bake the cake layers a day early, wrap them well, and frost when ready to serve. Use edible cartoon prints or chocolate transfers for clean, professional-looking art. Pair this mini cake with hot cocoa or coffee for a perfect movie-night dessert.