Korean Lunchbox Cake (도시락 케이크)

The most adorable Korean lunchbox cake made with vanilla sponge, cream cheese frosting and jam filling. These cute mini cakes are ideal for single servings and served in a takeout box. Perfect for any special occasion!

Incredibly popular across South Korea and other Asian countries, Korean lunchbox cakes are taking the rest of the world by storm. They’re typically much cheaper than buying a full-size cake and are more customisable, which makes them extremely popular.

These mini cakes are incredibly easy to make, versatile and can be customised for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, an accomplishment or just looking to make someone’s day – this bento cake is ideal for any celebration! 

Sometimes a full-sized cake is too much for only a few people, so Korean lunchbox cake is the answer because it's perfect for a single serving. And did I mention how incredibly cute they look?!

Since I love everything adorable and delicious, I wanted to share this amazing Korean lunchbox cake recipe with all of you! If you’re a fan of Korean recipes, check out this decadent Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread, quick and easy Korean Strawberry Milk or extra cheesy Korean Corn Dogs.  

What is a lunchbox cake?

Korean lunchbox cake is a type of small, single-serving cake served in a small takeaway box. They are sometimes referred to as mini cakes or Korean bento cakes and are served at special events.

In Korean cafes they are known as 도시락 케이크 (dosirak keikeu), which literally translates to ‘lunchbox cake’. Other bakeries call them 레터링 도시락 케이크 (letoring dosirak keikeu), which means ‘lettering lunchbox cake’. They can also be called ‘bento cakes’ after the Japanese bento boxes, which are a single serving packaged meal.

Lunchbox cakes started becoming popular in South Korea a few years ago. Koreans like to celebrate all types of occasions with cakes (30 days or 100 days anniversaries, other life or relationship milestones). Full-sized cakes with customised lettering on top can be quite expensive, so Korean lunchbox cake was created as a cheaper alternative. This way, you still get a cake with your own message written on top, but at a fraction of the cost of a regular cake. This is why the bento cake's small size is extremely appealing and cost-effective.

In addition to the size aspect, serving cakes in lunch boxes makes it a wonderful surprise. No one would expect such a cute and sweet cake to hide behind a plain takeout box. In addition, this also makes the cakes easy to store or transport, also making them ideal as party favours.

Korean lunchbox cake is very plain in terms of decoration, as the main focus is the written message on top. So, if you’re a fan of minimalist cakes, these are for you!

What size is it?

Korean lunch box cake is usually the size of a regular takeout container, or lunch box. The standard mini cake size is 10 cm (or 4-inches) in diameter, with about 5 cm (2-inches) in height. In terms of weight, they are typically around 300-350 grams (10-12 ounces). This is the same as 2 larger slices of regular-size cake or 3 smaller ones.

However, you can also make them larger to fit any takeout box or container you want to use. Sizes can vary between 4-8 inches, and the height of the cake can also be between 2-4 inches. Anything over 10 inches is already going into the region of regular cakes, so it wouldn’t be considered a lunchbox cake anymore.

Uses and ideas

The best part about Korean lunch-box cakes is how versatile they are and ideal for many different occasions. Here are some ideas when to make these adorable little cakes:

• Small celebrations for 2-3 people
• Birthdays
• Great gift for any occasion
• Children’s parties – perfect as party favours to take home
• Dating milestones and anniversaries
• Thank you cakes
• Get well soon
• Celebrating promotions or other milestones
• Picnics
• Just because you want to make someone smile
• If you’re trying to not overindulge and having a full-sized cake can be too tempting

What boxes to use

The best types of boxes to use for bento cakes are takeout containers. I recommend using clamshell take out boxes, which have a closing lid. This is the classic container that’s used by bakeries making mini lunchbox cakes in Korea.

Clamshell container boxes come in a range of sizes and heights, and I recommend ensuring it’s not too bit or too shallow for your cake. The container you choose should be the perfect size for your cake, so it does not move around too much. Also, ensure there are no partitions within the box, so the cake can sit flat.

• 6 x 6 inches white clamshell takeout box – perfect standard size for this type of cake. I like to buy compostable boxes because they’re also nature friendly.
• 6 x 6 inches brown burger takeout box – also compostable, made from plant fibre and eco-friendly.
• 5 x 5 inches transparent cake boxes – great if you want to showcase your cakes, but they’re not as authentic as clamshell takeout boxes.
• 6 x 6 inches cake boxes – for a more high-end or luxurious presentation.

Ingredient round-up

For the cake

• Flour – I recommend using cake flour, which is much finer than AP flour and has less gluten. This type of flour yields much softer and fluffier cakes.
• Baking soda – Raising agent in the batter, cannot be substituted in this recipe.
• Sugar – Regular granulated sugar works best, but you can also use brown sugar if desired.
• Eggs – This recipe calls for large eggs. Leave the eggs out at room temperature for at least 2 hours before using.
• Vegetable oil – Makes the cake extremely moist and soft. I recommend using an odourless and flavourless vegetable oil, like sunflower or canola oil.
• Milk – Any type of milk can be used, including lactose-free or plant-based alternative.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a wonderful flavour to the cake. Can be replaced with other extracts (lemon, orange, rum etc) or vanilla bean paste.
• Salt – I recommend using extra fine salt for this recipe.

For the filling

• Cream cheese – Use full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia. I do not recommend using low-fat version, as it has a higher water content, which can make the frosting too soft.
• Heavy whipping cream – Any type of heavy whipping cream will work. Ensure it’s properly chilled in the fridge before using.
• Sugar – Powdered sugar works best, as it makes the smoothest frosting.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a lot of flavour to the frosting. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense and natural flavour.
• Jam – Optional, but highly recommended for extra flavour. I recommend using a fruit jam with actual fruit chunks for some texture and extra flavour. Some of the best options are strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry jam.

How to make Korean lunchbox cake

This recipe is enough to make 3 vanilla miniature cakes. If you need to make more, adjust the quantities accordingly (double to make 6 cakes, triple to make 9).

Making the vanilla cake

1. In a large bowl, start whipping the eggs and sugar. Keep whipping until the mixture triples in volume and becomes pale in colour.
2. Mix in the remaining wet ingredients and combine well.
3. Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Use a spatula to fold them into the batter.
4. Pour the batter into a lined tray and bake until golden.

Preparing the cream cheese frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, whip up the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until medium peaks.
3. Add the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Combine well, then place in a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the cake

1. Use a cookie cutter to cut 8 circles.
2. Add frosting on one cake circle, then smooth with a spatula. Pipe a ring of frosting on top, which will hold the jam filling.
3. Add your jam of choice in the middle, spreading it evenly.
4. Place another cake layer on top of the filling.
5. Cover the entire cake in frosting, then use a spatula to smooth it out.
6. Chill cake well before decorating it as desired!

Flavour Variations

The recipe below is features vanilla sponge with cream cheese frosting and jam filling. However, Korean Lunchbox Cake can come in all flavours and fillings, so here are some alternatives and variations:

Sponge Flavours

• Chocolate – mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw cocoa powder with 2-3 tablespoons of warm or hot water. Then simply mix the chocolate paste into the cake batter.
• Red velvet – The same method as the chocolate cake above, but also add in 2-3 drops of red food colouring. 
• Lemon / Orange – add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for the most amazing citrus zing flavour. The same method works for orange sponge as well.
• Strawberry – add freeze-dried strawberry powder into the cake batter for a natural strawberry flavour. You can also try strawberry extract.
• Coffee – dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water. Mix it in with the rest of the wet ingredients.
• Carrot cake – I recommend using my recipe for Double Layer Carrot Cake to make the most decadent cake ever.
• Box cake – if you’re in a rush, cake mixes are your best bet! They come in a lot of different flavours, like this adorable Rainbow Chip Cake Mix.

Fillings & Frostings

• Quick Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – you can use the exact recipe below to make chocolate whipped cream cheese frosting. Add in 1-2 teaspoons of raw cocoa powder.
• White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – this is a more advanced and incredibly tasty frosting that takes the cake from delicious to incredible. This recipe can also be made with milk or dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Pastry Cream – if you love classic flavours, this filling is the best choice. It’s silky smooth, thick, custardy, and incredible. Note: pastry cream is not suitable to cover the cake, it can only be used as a filling.
• Baileys Mascarpone Frosting – If you’re making winter or Christmas themed cakes, this is the perfect frosting. Bonus – it can also be used to cover the cakes.
• Kinder Bueno Spread – the perfect filling for Kinder Bueno lovers. This homemade spread tastes exactly like Kinder bars and it’s finger-licking good!
• Buttercream – you can use any type of buttercream: American, Swiss or Italian Meringue. They will all work really well with this cake!
• Jams – lastly, even if you use a plain frosting, you can elevate the flavour by adding jam between the cake layers. I suggest the following: strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, marmalade, cherry, rhubarb, cranberry or rose. The choices are endless, feel free to experiment!

Success Tips & Tricks

• Use a kitchen scale – It’s important to measure ingredients properly for a perfect sponge. I recommend using a kitchen scale in grams for accuracy. If using cup measurements, make sure you spoon and level.
• Room temperature ingredients for sponge cake – All ingredients for the sponge needs to come to room temp for at least 2 hours before you start baking. This will ensure they combine together well, without any splitting.
• Cake flour – for the lightest and fluffiest cake layers, use cake flour. This type of flour contains less gluten and protein that AP flour, yielding softer cakes.
• Whip up the eggs until double in volume – This is probably the most important tip when making the sponge. Whip up the eggs until they become pale in colour and double or even triple in volume. This can take up to 10-15 minutes, so be patient,
• Carefully fold in the flour – Sift in the dry ingredients and use a spatula to gently fold them in. It’s important to go slowly so you don’t deflate any air from the eggs.
• Well whipped cream – Before combining the whipped cream into the cream cheese, ensure it reaches medium-stiff peaks. Afterwards, use a spatula to fold everything together, without overwhipping.
• Chill cake layers – Once baked, let the cake cool down completely before cutting your shapes. After this, wrap up all the cake layers in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Although not mandatory, this does help mature the flavour of the sponge and makes it extra moist.  
• Use a piping bag with nozzle – I recommend using a piping bag fitted with nozzle not just for decorating, but also for filling the cake. This will give you much more even layers and make the process mess-free.
• Use a toothpick to sketch out design – Before decorating the cakes with colourful icing, sketch out your design using a toothpick. If you make any mistakes, simply smooth out the top again with a spatula and start again.
• Chill the cake – Once the cakes have been frosted and decorated, let the chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. The frosting needs to harden before transferring the cakes into boxes.
• Right size boxes – Get the right size takeout box for the cakes to avoid it from moving around. If the cake fits in perfectly, it’s less likely to get damages if transporting it.
• Line the boxes – I like to use colourful wax paper, but you can also use parchment paper sheets. Cut them to size as needed. Lining keeps the box from getting wet from the frosting and makes it look cuter too.

How to decorate

Korean lunchbox cakes are usually quite minimalist in design, so there's no need to do anything too complicated. I recommend using colourful frosting, sprinkles or fresh fruit to decorate the top. Don't overly decorate and leave enough space for lettering your custom message on top.

If using frosting, place it in a piping bag fitted with a nozzle (round or star-shaped) to pipe small dollops of cream on top. You can also draw on little hearts, flowers or stars - basically anything simple and cute!

For writing messages on top, use the smallest round nozzle you can find. Sketch out your design first using a toothpick so all the letters are spaced out properly.

Here are some messages in Korean you can use for a more authentic cake:

How to store

Once filled and decorated, Korean lunchbox cake can be stored in the fridge. Store them in the takeout box for up to 1 day. For longer storage, place the cakes in an airtight container to avoid the cakes getting ‘fridge smell’ and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

For longer term storage, you can freeze the cake layers after baking. Cover them in plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight. Fill and decorate as normal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe

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