By Akshara
February 13, 2026
Bento cakes became popular through Korean bakery culture, known for compact, minimal cakes packed in small boxes. Their small size makes them ideal for intimate celebrations. For Valentine’s Day, they are often decorated with pastel buttercream and short handwritten messages. The appeal lies in personalisation rather than elaborate design. Even a simple sponge and clean frosting can make it feel thoughtful.
1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp baking soda ¼ cup butter, softened 1 egg ½ cup milk ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 cup buttercream frosting
Preheat oven to 170°C and grease a 4-inch cake tin.
Cream butter and sugar until pale, then beat in egg and vanilla.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and baking soda alternately with milk.
Pour into the tin and bake 20–25 minutes until set. Cool completely.
Frost evenly with buttercream and decorate simply.