Mini Cakes 4-Inch: 7 Bento-Inspired Designs You Can Master in 2025

why make this recipe

Mini cakes are cute, fun, and perfect for any occasion. These 4-inch cakes are great for celebrations, bento lunches, or just to enjoy with friends and family. They are easy to make and can be decorated in many creative ways. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for portion control!

how to make Mini Cakes 4-Inch

Ingredients:

• 60 g unsalted butter (softened)
• 70 g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 70 g all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 Tbsp whole milk

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F / 175 °C. Grease and line two 4-inch pans with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet batter, adding the milk as you mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a rack to cool completely before frosting.

how to serve Mini Cakes 4-Inch

Once your mini cakes have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite icing, such as buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You can also add fun decorations like sprinkles, fruit, or even edible flowers. Serve them on a cute tray or in bento boxes for a perfect treat!

how to store Mini Cakes 4-Inch

To store your mini cakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. You can also freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

tips to make Mini Cakes 4-Inch

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently for a light cake.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa powder, lemon zest, or spices to the batter.
• Use a toothpick to check if the cakes are done—if it comes out clean, they are finished!

variation

You can easily customize these mini cakes by changing the flavors or adding ingredients. Try chocolate or lemon zest for a twist, or mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pans instead of 4-inch pans?
Yes, you can use any size pans, but baking times will vary. Keep an eye on them while they bake.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the cakes immediately after making the batter for the best texture, but you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours before baking if needed.

3. How do I know when the cakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cakes are done!

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