Delightful Butterfly Cakes Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Create These Scrumptious Treats!

Butterfly cakes, also known as fairy cakes or butterfly buns, are delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion. These small, individual cakes are named after their unique shape, which resembles a butterfly with its wings spread open. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious.

Traditionally, butterfly cakes consist of a light and fluffy sponge cake filled with a sweet buttercream frosting. The top of the cake is then cut off and split into two halves, resembling butterfly wings. These wings are placed on top of the buttercream filling to create the iconic butterfly shape.

Butterfly cakes are popular in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United Kingdom and Australia. They are often served at afternoon tea parties, birthdays, and other special events. The simplicity of these cakes makes them an ideal choice for novice bakers looking to impress their friends and family with homemade treats.

In the following sections, we will explore the ingredients needed to make butterfly cakes and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create these scrumptious treats. So let's dive in and discover how to make these delightful butterfly cakes!

Ingredients needed for Butterfly Cakes

To make these delightful butterfly cakes, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 125g unsalted butter, softened

2. 125g caster sugar

3. 2 large eggs

4. 125g self-raising flour

5. 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the buttercream frosting:

6. 150g unsalted butter, softened

7. 300g icing sugar

8. A few drops of food coloring (optional)

For the filling and decoration:

9. Strawberry or raspberry jam

10. Icing sugar for dusting

These simple ingredients can be easily found in your local grocery store, making it convenient to whip up a batch of these scrumptious treats at home!

Step-by-step instructions to make Butterfly Cakes

a. Preparing the cake batter: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a cupcake tray with paper cases. In a mixing bowl, cream together 150g (1 ¼ cups) of softened butter and 150g (¾ cup) of caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in 3 beaten eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift in 150g (1 ¼ cups) of self-raising flour and gently fold it into the mixture until well combined.

b. Filling the cupcake cases: Spoon the cake batter evenly into the prepared cupcake cases, filling them about two-thirds full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.

c. Baking the cupcakes: Place the cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

d. Preparing the buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 200g (1 ¾ cups) of softened butter and 400g (3 cups) of icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in a few drops of vanilla extract for flavoring and continue beating until well combined.

e. Assembling the Butterfly Cakes: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut out a small circle from the top of each cupcake, about one-third deep. Cut these circles in half to create butterfly wings. Fill each cavity with a dollop of buttercream frosting and place the halved wings on top, pressing them lightly into the frosting to secure.

These delightful Butterfly Cakes are now ready to be enjoyed!

Note: The quantities mentioned above are for reference purposes only; please adjust them according to your desired yield.

Preparing the cake batter

To prepare the cake batter for Butterfly Cakes, you will need the following ingredients: 125g unsalted butter (softened), 125g caster sugar, 2 large eggs, 125g self-raising flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a cupcake tray with paper cases. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour until all ingredients are combined and you have a smooth cake batter.

It's important not to overmix at this stage as it can result in dense cupcakes. Once your batter is ready, use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide it evenly among the prepared cupcake cases, filling them about two-thirds full.

Now that your cake batter is prepared, you're ready to move on to the next step of creating these delightful Butterfly Cakes!

Filling the cupcake cases

Filling the cupcake cases is a crucial step in creating delicious butterfly cakes. Once you have prepared the cake batter, it's time to distribute it evenly into the cupcake cases. Start by placing a cupcake case in each cavity of a muffin tin. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, carefully fill each case with the batter, ensuring that they are about two-thirds full. This will allow room for the cupcakes to rise while baking. Take care not to overfill the cases as this can cause them to overflow during baking. Once all the cases are filled, you're ready to bake the cupcakes and move on to the next step in creating these delightful treats!

Baking the cupcakes

Baking the cupcakes is a crucial step in creating delicious and fluffy Butterfly Cakes. Once you have prepared the cake batter and filled the cupcake cases, it's time to bake them to perfection. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature stated in your recipe. Place the filled cupcake cases on a baking tray and carefully place them in the preheated oven. Bake for the specified time, usually around 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking as it can cause uneven baking or sinking of the cupcakes. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely before moving on to the next step of preparing the buttercream frosting.

Preparing the buttercream frosting

Preparing the buttercream frosting is an essential step in creating delicious and beautiful Butterfly Cakes. To make the buttercream frosting, you will need 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature, 4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk.

Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it becomes creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. This will ensure that the sugar is well incorporated into the butter.

Next, add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until all ingredients are fully combined. The frosting should have a light and fluffy texture. If it appears too thick, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

You can also add food coloring to create different colored frostings for your Butterfly Cakes. Simply divide the frosting into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.

Once your buttercream frosting is ready, transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle or any other desired nozzle for decoration. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly before using.

The creamy and sweet buttercream frosting adds a delightful touch to the Butterfly Cakes. It complements the soft sponge cake perfectly and adds an extra layer of flavor. Get creative with your piping techniques and decorations to make these treats even more visually appealing!

Assembling the Butterfly Cakes

Assembling the Butterfly Cakes is the final step in creating these delightful treats. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, it's time to add the finishing touches.

Start by cutting a small circle out of the top of each cupcake, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside these cut-out circles, as they will be used later.

Next, fill each cavity with a generous dollop of buttercream frosting. You can use a piping bag or simply spoon it in. Smooth the frosting with a knife or spatula.

Now, take the reserved cake circles and slice them in half horizontally. These halves will become the butterfly wings. Gently press them into the frosting at an angle, so that they resemble open wings.

To complete the look, dust the tops of the wings with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. And there you have it – beautiful Butterfly Cakes ready to be enjoyed!

Remember to store these treats in an airtight container until serving time to keep them fresh and delicious.

Get creative with your decorations by adding sprinkles, edible flowers, or even chocolate shavings on top of the frosting. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply want to indulge in something sweet, Butterfly Cakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful experience.

So go ahead and try your hand at making these scrumptious treats – they're guaranteed to bring joy and happiness to any occasion!

Tips and variations for Butterfly Cakes

Tips and Variations for Butterfly Cakes:

1. Experiment with flavors: While the classic butterfly cake recipe calls for a vanilla sponge, don't be afraid to get creative with different flavors. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or incorporate lemon zest for a tangy flavor.

2. Decorate with finesse: Once you've assembled your butterfly cakes, take them to the next level by decorating them with finesse. Use a piping bag to create intricate patterns with the buttercream frosting or sprinkle some colorful edible decorations on top.

3. Add fillings: While traditional butterfly cakes are filled only with buttercream frosting, you can experiment by adding other fillings. Consider using fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even Nutella to add an extra burst of flavor.

4. Miniature versions: If you're hosting a party or gathering, consider making miniature butterfly cakes instead of regular-sized ones. These bite-sized treats are not only adorable but also perfect for guests who want to sample multiple flavors.

5. Gluten-free option: For those following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free to cater to dietary restrictions.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to creating these delightful treats. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't picture-perfect – enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with different flavors and decorations!

Conclusion and Serving Suggestions for Butterfly Cakes:

In conclusion, Butterfly Cakes are a delightful treat that will surely impress your friends and family. With their light and fluffy texture, sweet buttercream frosting, and adorable butterfly design, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

To serve the Butterfly Cakes, arrange them on a platter or cake stand to showcase their beautiful butterfly wings. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or edible glitter on top for an extra touch of elegance.

These scrumptious treats pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for afternoon tea parties or brunch gatherings. They are also great as a dessert option for birthdays, baby showers, or any other special celebration.

For added creativity, you can experiment with different flavors and colors. Try adding a drop of food coloring to the buttercream frosting to match the theme of your event. You can also fill the cupcakes with fruit preserves or chocolate ganache instead of buttercream for a unique twist.

Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced chef, this step-by-step guide will help you create these delicious Butterfly Cakes with ease. So go ahead and indulge in these delectable treats that are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces!