Delightful Butterfly Cakes Recipe: How to Make These Irresistible Treats

Butterfly cakes are a delightful treat that will transport you back to your childhood. These adorable little cakes are named after their unique shape, resembling a butterfly with their wings spread open. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The combination of light sponge cake, sweet filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them irresistible. Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply craving something sweet, butterfly cakes are the perfect choice. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful treats from scratch. Get ready to indulge in a world of sweetness!

Ingredients needed for Butterfly Cakes

- 125g unsalted butter, softened

- 125g caster sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 125g self-raising flour

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- Strawberry jam or lemon curd, for filling

- Icing sugar, for dusting

These simple ingredients are all you need to create these delightful treats. The butter and sugar provide a rich and sweet base, while the eggs add moisture and structure. Self-raising flour ensures a light and fluffy texture, and the vanilla extract adds a hint of fragrance. To enhance the flavor, you can choose between strawberry jam or tangy lemon curd as a delicious filling. Finally, a dusting of icing sugar on top gives these cakes an elegant finish.

Step-by-step instructions for making Butterfly Cakes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper cases.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 150g (2/3 cup) of softened butter and 150g (3/4 cup) of caster sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. Sift in 150g (1 1/4 cups) of self-raising flour and gently fold it into the mixture until just combined.

5. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared paper cases, filling them about two-thirds full.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare the butterfly wings:

8. Once the cakes have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut out a small circle from the top of each cake, about one-third deep.

9. Cut each circle in half to create two wings.

10. Fill each cavity with a dollop of jam or your favorite filling.

11. Whip 200ml (3/4 cup) of double cream until soft peaks form and spoon it onto each cake, covering the jam-filled cavity.

12. Place the two wings on top of the cream at an angle, creating butterfly wings.

Decorating your Butterfly Cakes:

13. Dust with icing sugar for an elegant touch or decorate with colored sprinkles for a fun twist.

14. Optional: Use melted chocolate or icing to draw eyes and antennae on top of each cake.

Enjoy these delightful Butterfly Cakes as a sweet treat for parties, afternoon tea, or any special occasion!

Tips and variations for Butterfly Cakes

Tips and Variations for Butterfly Cakes:

1. Experiment with different flavors: While the classic butterfly cake recipe calls for vanilla sponge and jam filling, don't be afraid to get creative! Try using chocolate or lemon sponge, or even adding a hint of almond extract for a unique twist.

2. Get creative with fillings: Instead of traditional jam, try using fresh fruit compote, whipped cream, or even Nutella for a decadent surprise inside your butterfly cakes.

3. Decorate with flair: Once your butterfly cakes are baked and cooled, let your imagination run wild with decorations. Dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or top them off with colorful sprinkles.

4. Add a touch of elegance: For a more sophisticated version of butterfly cakes, consider adding a dollop of buttercream frosting on top before placing the "wings" back on. This will give them an elegant finish that is perfect for special occasions.

5. Miniature delights: If you're hosting a party or want to serve bite-sized treats, make miniature butterfly cakes by using smaller cupcake molds. These adorable mini versions will surely impress your guests.

Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine when making these delightful treats!

Serving and storing Butterfly Cakes

Once your butterfly cakes are ready, it's time to serve and enjoy these delightful treats. They make a perfect addition to any afternoon tea or special occasion. Arrange them on a beautiful cake stand or serving platter to showcase their charming butterfly shape.

To add an extra touch of elegance, you can dust the tops of the cakes with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with colorful edible decorations. This will make them even more visually appealing and irresistible.

When it comes to storing butterfly cakes, it's best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, although they are usually devoured much sooner due to their deliciousness!

If you have any leftover butterfly cakes, you can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Simply wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen butterfly cakes, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving. They will still taste just as scrumptious as when they were freshly baked.

So go ahead and indulge in these delightful butterfly cakes. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth!

In conclusion, Butterfly Cakes are a delightful treat that is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. The combination of light sponge cake, sweet jam filling, and fluffy whipped cream makes for a truly irresistible dessert. The best part is that they are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and decorations. Whether you're hosting a tea party or simply want to indulge in something sweet, these Butterfly Cakes are the perfect choice. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let your taste buds take flight!