Cake with butterflies is a whimsical treat that brings joy to any celebration! Imagine a fluffy vanilla cake, layered with velvety buttercream and adorned with delicate, colorful butterfly decorations made from edible paper or fondant. Each slice reveals a moist, tender crumb, perfectly complemented by a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. This enchanting cake not only delights the taste buds but also captivates the eyes, making it the centerpiece of your gathering. Whether it’s a birthday or a springtime tea party, this cake is sure to spread smiles and sweet memories!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Transform your celebrations with a stunning cake that’s a feast for the eyes.
- Delight in the whimsical touch of butterflies, perfect for any occasion.
- Enjoy a deliciously moist cake that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
- Impress your guests with a unique dessert that sparks joy and conversation.
- Feel proud to serve a cake that’s both beautiful and made with wholesome ingredients.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Dessert |
Cuisine: | American |
Prep Time: | 30 minutes |
Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
Total Time: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Dietary: | Vegetarian |
Serves: | 8-10 |
Best Served: | At room temperature |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient for structure and texture.
- Sugar – adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and a tender crumb.
- Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract – adds a delightful aroma and flavor.
- Milk – keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
- Buttercream frosting – perfect for decorating and adding sweetness.
- Edible butterflies – a whimsical decoration that brings the cake to life.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create a stunning cake with butterflies that will wow your friends and family!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all your ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, milk, and food coloring.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm for baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy and light.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until everything is smooth.
Step 7: Add Food Coloring
If you want colorful butterflies, divide the batter and mix in your chosen food coloring.
Step 8: Pour into Cake Pans
Pour the batter into greased cake pans, filling them about two-thirds full.
Step 9: Bake the Cakes
Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 11: Decorate with Butterflies
Use fondant or edible paper to create beautiful butterfly decorations for your cake.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Creation!
Slice, serve, and enjoy your delightful cake with butterflies!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use a light hand when folding in the whipped cream to keep the cake airy and fluffy.
•Opt for edible butterfly decorations made from rice paper for a stunning finish.
•Chill your cake layers before frosting to prevent slipping and ensure a clean cut.
•Experiment with natural food coloring for vibrant butterfly designs that are also healthy.
•Always taste your frosting before applying; adjust sweetness to your preference for the perfect balance.
How to Serve
Here are some delightful ways to serve your cake with butterflies:
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with a light lemon glaze for a zesty kick.
- Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Garnish with edible flowers to enhance the butterfly theme.
- Offer a side of fruit compote for a sweet and tangy balance.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea for a calming afternoon treat.
- Slice it up for a festive dessert table at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage ensures your cake with butterflies stays delicious for days!
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
• Wrap the entire cake in plastic wrap tightly.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label with the date and type of cake.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
• For individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Enjoy warm for the best texture and taste!
FAQs
What type of cake is best for decorating with butterflies?
A light and fluffy cake, like a vanilla or lemon sponge, works wonderfully for decorating with butterflies. These cakes have a soft texture that pairs well with delicate decorations, allowing the butterflies to stand out beautifully.
How can I make edible butterflies for my cake?
You can create edible butterflies using fondant or royal icing. Simply roll out the fondant and cut out butterfly shapes, or pipe royal icing onto parchment paper and let it dry. Once set, you can place them on your cake for a stunning effect!
Can I use store-bought decorations for my cake?
Absolutely! Store-bought edible decorations can save you time and effort. Look for butterfly-shaped sprinkles or sugar decorations that can easily be placed on your cake for a charming touch.
What are some good flavor pairings for a cake with butterflies?
Flavors like vanilla, lemon, and chocolate are popular choices that complement the whimsical butterfly theme. You can also experiment with fruity flavors like raspberry or strawberry for a refreshing twist!
Final Thoughts
As you take a bite of your delightful cake with butterflies, let the flavors transport you back to carefree days filled with laughter and joy. This simple yet stunning recipe is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of creativity and love. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy every moment of this sweet adventure. Happy baking, my friend!
cake with butterflies
Equipment
- 2 Cake pans Greased and ready for batter.
- 1 Mixing bowl For mixing dry and wet ingredients.
- 1 Whisk For mixing dry ingredients.
- 1 Electric mixer For creaming butter and sugar.
- 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 sugar Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 tbsp baking powder Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter Provides richness and a tender crumb.
- 3 large eggs Bind ingredients and add moisture.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract Adds aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup milk Keeps the cake moist.
- 2-3 cups buttercream frosting For decorating.
- as needed units edible butterflies Whimsical decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Collect all your ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, milk, and food coloring.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy and light.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until everything is smooth.
Add Food Coloring
- If desired, divide the batter and mix in food coloring.
Pour into Pans
- Pour the batter into greased cake pans, filling them about two-thirds full.
Bake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Cakes
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorate
- Create beautiful butterfly decorations for your cake using fondant or edible paper.
Serve
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delightful cake with butterflies!