🦋 Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
A Sweet Bite of Childhood Joy in Every Fluffy Wing
Bring smiles and sweet nostalgia to any occasion with these soft and charming butterfly cakes. They're quick to bake, easy to decorate, and always a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a birthday, bake sale, or a cozy weekend treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring spoons and kitchen scale
- Cupcake tray (12-hole)
- Paper cupcake cases
- Serrated knife
- Wire rack
- Piping bag or spoon for filling
Ingredients
- For the Cakes:
- 125 g unsalted butter softened (or margarine)
- 115 g caster sugar
- 2 free-range eggs room temperature
- 100 g self-raising flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp lemon extract
- 1 tbsp milk if batter needs loosening
- For the Buttercream:
- 175 g–200g icing sugar sifted
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- 1 –2 tbsp milk as needed
- Optional Toppings:
- Lemon curd or jam
- Icing sugar for dusting
- Edible flowers or fruit for decoration
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
- Step 2: Prepare Cases
- Line a cupcake tray with paper cases.
- Step 3: Mix Base Batter
- Cream together softened butter and sugar. Gradually add beaten eggs, vanilla (or lemon) extract, and mix well.
- Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in self-raising flour and baking powder. Fold gently to retain air. Add milk if needed for a soft dropping consistency.
- Step 5: Bake
- Spoon batter into cupcake cases (two-thirds full). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and springy.
- Step 6: Cool Completely
- Remove cakes from tray and cool fully on a wire rack before decorating.
- Step 7: Make the Buttercream
- Beat softened butter with sifted icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk to reach spreadable consistency.
- Step 8: Create the Butterfly Wings
- Cut a shallow circle from the top of each cake using a serrated knife. Slice the circle in half to form wings.
- Step 9: Fill & Decorate
- Spoon or pipe buttercream into the hole on each cake. Position the two cake halves at an angle to resemble butterfly wings.
- Step 10: Add Final Touches
- Top with a dab of jam or curd. Dust with icing sugar. Add edible flowers or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips
- Room Temp: Store undecorated cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- With Buttercream: Best enjoyed within 2 days if using cream or butter-based frosting.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze undecorated cakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then decorate fresh.
- Reheating: Not recommended once decorated, but undecorated cakes can be gently warmed in a microwave for 10–15 seconds.
🌟 Optional Fillings & Variations
- Add lemon curd for a tangy center.
- Mix chocolate chips into the batter for surprise bites.
- Use flavored buttercream—try raspberry or orange zest.
- Decorate with berries or edible petals for elegance.