How to Make Adorable Bento Cakes in 55 Min

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together your 1.5 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream 0.5 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes of high speed mixing.
2. Add the egg, egg white, vanilla bean paste, and vegetable oil to the butter mixture. Mix well, then alternate adding the whole milk and the dry flour mixture. Start and end with the flour to prevent the batter from curdling.
3. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once cooled, use your 4 inch cutter to press out 6 rounds from the sheet cake. This will give you enough for three double layer bento cakes.
5. Whip 1 cup of cool, softened butter for 5 minutes until it looks almost white. Gradually add the 3.5 cups of powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high until the frosting is velvety and holds a stiff peak.
6. Place one cake round on a parchment square. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, then top with a second round. Apply a very thin crumb coat of frosting over the top and sides. Chill for 15 minutes until the frosting is firm to the touch.
7. Separate your remaining buttercream and add a drop of gel food coloring if desired. Apply a thicker layer of frosting over the chilled crumb coat. Use your offset spatula to create a smooth, clean finish.
8. Using a piping bag with a small round tip, write a simple message or draw a tiny flower. Keep the design minimalist. The beauty of these cakes lies in their simple, clean lines and the fact that they fit in the palm of your hand.