Easy Butterfly Cake

Imagine a cake so fun and simple to make, yet it looks absolutely stunning when finished! This Easy Butterfly Cake is a whimsical, sweet treat that’s perfect for birthdays, springtime gatherings, or just a special dessert to brighten up your day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is as simple as it is delightful—trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how impressive it looks!

The combination of light, fluffy cake layers and smooth frosting makes every bite a joy, and the butterfly decoration? Pure magic. You don’t need any fancy tools or complicated techniques to pull this off, and the result is an eye-catching cake that will make everyone smile. Plus, it’s so fun to decorate!

Why You’ll Love Easy Butterfly Cake

This cake is everything you want in a dessert: easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Here’s why it’s going to become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation:

Simple to Make

This cake is perfect for beginners. No need for elaborate steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few pantry staples and some basic decorating techniques, and you’ve got a showstopper cake.

Beautiful Butterfly Design

The butterfly design on top of the cake is the star of the show. It’s simple but stunning, and it adds a touch of magic to your dessert spread.

Light and Fluffy

The cake itself is light, soft, and moist, with a buttery flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy frosting.

Versatile for Any Occasion

From birthdays to baby showers, to springtime celebrations, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s so fun to decorate with kids if you want to make it a family project.

Customizable

Want to add some extra flavor? You can swap out the frosting for something like chocolate, or even add fresh fruit in between the layers for extra freshness. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Easy Butterfly Cake:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake. It creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become soft and airy.
• Sugar: For sweetness. You’ll need a good amount to balance the other ingredients.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla to make the cake even more delicious.
• Milk: For a moist, soft crumb.

For the Frosting:

• Butter: The base of the frosting, giving it that creamy, rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: To flavor the frosting and make it taste amazing.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: To get the right consistency for spreading and smoothing the frosting.

For Decoration:

• Colored Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: To create a shimmering butterfly effect.
• Butterfly Cutouts or Edible Butterfly Decorations: For the final touch (or if you want to use a stencil to create your butterfly shape).

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this cake step by step:

Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out perfectly after baking.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until everything is just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a little milk or heavy cream until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then place the second layer of cake on top. Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting, making sure to smooth out the sides and top.

Decorate the Butterfly Design

Now comes the fun part! You can use butterfly cutouts, stencils, or edible decorations to create a butterfly design on the top of the cake. If you’re using a stencil, simply place it over the cake and sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter to reveal the butterfly shape. Alternatively, you can pipe a butterfly shape with frosting and decorate it with sprinkles or edible glitter.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the butterfly design is complete, step back and admire your work! Then, slice and serve. This cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion.

(Note: Full instructions are in the recipe card below.)

How to Serve Easy Butterfly Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, but here are some ideas to make your dessert table even more special:

For a Birthday Party

The butterfly theme is perfect for a birthday cake. It’s fun, colorful, and will make your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a magical garden. Serve with a side of fresh fruit and maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful dessert.

Spring and Summer Gatherings

With its light, fluffy texture and bright design, this cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings like picnics or garden parties. The butterfly design just screams “springtime,” making it a showstopper for any outdoor event.

Afternoon Tea

If you’re hosting an afternoon tea, this cake is a lovely addition. It’s light enough to enjoy with a cup of tea, and the beautiful butterfly design adds an elegant touch to your spread.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Butterfly Cake even better:

Bake the Cake Layers in Advance

You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time, letting them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This makes the assembly process much quicker and easier.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. This can lead to dense cake layers instead of light, fluffy ones. Mix until just combined!

Get Creative with Decorations

Feel free to add more decorations to the butterfly design. You could pipe little flowers, add a few edible pearls, or even dust the whole cake with a little powdered sugar for a lovely, snowy effect.

Make It Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a baking powder that’s certified gluten-free as well.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one slice of Easy Butterfly Cake (based on standard serving sizes):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

(Note: Nutritional values are based on the ingredients as listed. Adjustments for substitutions will affect the nutritional content.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor for the frosting?

A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the vanilla frosting for chocolate, strawberry, or even lemon-flavored frosting. The sky’s the limit!

Q2: Can I make the butterfly cake ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them when you’re ready.

Q3: How do I make the butterfly design without a stencil?

A3: If you don’t have a stencil, you can pipe the butterfly design freehand using frosting or use colored sugar to create the shape.

Q4: Can I add fresh fruit to the cake?

A4: Absolutely! Adding fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even raspberries in between the layers would be delicious and refreshing.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A5: Yes! You can substitute the homemade cake batter with a store-bought cake mix if you want to save time. Just follow the instructions on the box and proceed with the frosting and decorating.

Q6: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A6: Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use a gluten-free baking powder to make this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Q7: Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

A7: Yes, you can store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Q8: How can I make this cake dairy-free?

A8: You can make this cake dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and milk substitutes (like almond milk or coconut milk) in the cake and frosting.

Q9: Can I decorate the cake with other designs?

A9: Absolutely! You can get creative and decorate the cake with flowers, polka dots, or any other design that fits your theme.

Q10: Can I use a different frosting color?

A10: Yes, you can color your frosting any color you like using food coloring to match your theme or occasion. Just make sure to add the color gradually to avoid over-coloring the frosting.

Conclusion

This Easy Butterfly Cake is as simple to make as it is stunning to look at! With light, fluffy layers and a delightful butterfly decoration, it’s the perfect dessert for any celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking and indulging in this sweet treat!

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