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A close up of a small vanilla lunch box cake with smooth whipped cream frosting on a parchment square

Lunch Box Cake

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5 from 13 reviews

Description

Elevate the trending bento cake with professional French techniques, featuring a moist vanilla sponge infused with simple syrup and topped with a stabilized Chantilly cream. These perfectly portioned miniature treats are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, making them the ultimate handmade gift for any special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 box high-quality vanilla cake mix
  • Whole milk (to replace water in cake mix instructions)
  • Unsalted butter (to replace oil in cake mix instructions)
  • 1 extra egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, divided
  • 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream (36% fat or higher)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions, substituting milk for water and melted butter for oil, while adding one extra egg yolk for structure.
  3. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth with a spatula, and bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean; let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  4. Make the soaking syrup by dissolving granulated sugar in water over medium heat, then stir in half of the vanilla extract once the liquid reaches room temperature.
  5. Whip the cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl for one minute, then add powdered sugar, salt, and the remaining vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Remove the cooled cake from the pan and use a 3-inch round cutter to punch out six identical circles.
  7. Place a cake round on a small parchment square, brush with syrup, add a layer of whipped cream, and top with a second cake round.
  8. Apply a thin crumb coat of cream, chill for 10 minutes, then apply a final smooth layer of frosting and decorate before placing into a clamshell box.

Notes

For the cleanest professional finish, ensure the cake is completely cold before cutting the rounds to prevent crumbling. If you need the cakes to stay stable for a longer period at room temperature, you can fold a tablespoon of mascarpone into the whipped cream for added structure.

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

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Find it online: https://cakehalf.com/lunch-box-cake/