Butterfly cake is a whimsical treat that brings joy to any gathering! Imagine a light, fluffy vanilla sponge, lovingly split in half and filled with a luscious whipped cream and fresh fruit filling. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake transforms into a beautiful butterfly with delicate wings made from the cake’s own layers. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet afternoon delight, this enchanting dessert will have everyone buzzing with excitement. Get ready to spread some happiness with this delightful creation that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper that will impress your guests!
- Perfectly moist and fluffy, every bite is a delight.
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors and fillings.
- Great for any occasion, from birthdays to tea parties.
- Fun to make with kids—let them help with the decorating!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Dessert |
Cuisine: | American |
Prep Time: | 30 minutes |
Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
Total Time: | 55 minutes |
Dietary: | Vegetarian |
Serves: | 8-10 |
Best Served: | Chilled |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient for structure and texture.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Baking powder – ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened.
- Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Milk – keeps the cake moist and adds a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma and flavor; use pure for the best taste.
- Food coloring – for vibrant, eye-catching layers; gel colors work best.
- Whipped cream – for a light and fluffy frosting; use heavy cream for best results.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
Step 5: Flavor It Up
Stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.
Step 6: Pour into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
Whip together butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until creamy.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting, and top with the second layer.
Step 11: Decorate
Frost the top and sides, then add colorful sprinkles or edible flowers.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the cake, serve it up, and watch the smiles appear!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix; fold gently to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For a moist cake, brush layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar.
- Experiment with different fillings like whipped cream or fruit preserves for added flavor.
- Decorate with fresh flowers or edible glitter for a stunning presentation.
How to Serve
Delight your guests with these fun serving suggestions for your butterfly cake!
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible glitter.
- Accompany with a refreshing fruit salad for a light touch.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Offer a side of lemon curd for a zesty kick.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh finish.
- Slice into individual portions and serve on colorful plates for a festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your butterfly cake fresh:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap.
- Then wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake again:
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- If desired, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What is a butterfly cake?
A butterfly cake is a delightful dessert made by slicing a round cake in half and filling it with cream and fruit. The two halves are then placed back together, resembling butterfly wings. It’s a beautiful and tasty treat perfect for any celebration!
Can I use a different type of flour for the cake?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What can I use instead of eggs in the recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed meal mixture. These alternatives work well and keep your cake moist and flavorful!
How can I make the cake more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. These simple touches can elevate your butterfly cake and make it a stunning centerpiece!
Final Thoughts
As you take a bite of your delightful butterfly cake, let the flavors whisk you back to joyful celebrations and sweet memories. This simple yet stunning treat is perfect for any occasion, and making it is a breeze! So gather your loved ones, share some laughs, and enjoy every slice of this whimsical cake. Trust us, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and again!
butterfly cake
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans Greased and ready for batter.
- 1 Mixing bowl For mixing ingredients.
- 1 Whisk For mixing dry ingredients.
- 1 Electric mixer For creaming butter and sugar.
- 1 Spatula For folding ingredients.
- 1 Wire rack For cooling the cakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour A key ingredient for structure and texture.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened.
- 3 large eggs Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 cup milk Keeps the cake moist and adds a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds a lovely aroma and flavor; use pure for the best taste.
- as needed drops food coloring For vibrant, eye-catching layers; gel colors work best.
Frosting
- 2 cups whipped cream For a light and fluffy frosting; use heavy cream for best results.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
Flavor It Up
- Stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.
Pour into Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake
- Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Prepare the Frosting
- Whip together butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until creamy.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting, and top with the second layer.
Decorate
- Frost the top and sides, then add colorful sprinkles or edible flowers.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the cake, serve it up, and watch the smiles appear!