If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Easy Butterfly Cake is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a soft, moist cake transformed into vibrant butterfly wings, swirled with pastel frosting and topped with playful candies. This cake is a breeze to assemble, but the results are pure magic—perfect for birthdays, parties, or any day that needs a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re baking with kids or simply want a cake that will wow your guests, the Easy Butterfly Cake is a sweet adventure waiting to happen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Butterfly Cake is how it turns simple ingredients into something spectacular. Each component—from the cake base to the colorful decorations—plays a key role in creating a dessert that’s both delicious and delightful to look at.
- Vanilla or yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The perfect shortcut for a moist, reliable cake every time, and a great canvas for creative decorating.
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water): Make sure to have these pantry staples on hand to bring your cake mix to life.
- Buttercream or whipped frosting (1 cup): This creamy topping is ideal for spreading, swirling, and sticking all your pretty decorations in place.
- Food coloring (optional): A few drops can transform plain frosting into a rainbow of colors for the butterfly wings.
- Assorted candies, sprinkles, or edible decorations: Let your imagination run wild—these are the jewels that make each butterfly unique!
- Optional: shredded coconut or powdered sugar for garnish: A sprinkle on top adds extra flair and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Easy Butterfly Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your cake mix box. Whip up the batter as directed, combining your mix with the eggs, oil, and water until smooth. This step is where you set the foundation for your Easy Butterfly Cake, so take a moment to make sure everything is well mixed and there are no lumps.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Rounds
Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans, either 8-inch or 9-inch. Pop them into the oven and bake as directed on the box. The cakes should be golden, springy to the touch, and your kitchen will fill with that irresistible fresh-baked aroma. Once they’re done, let the cakes cool completely—this helps them hold their shape when you start assembling the butterfly.
Step 3: Cut and Arrange the Wings
After cooling, carefully cut each cake round in half. Arrange the four halves cut-side down on a large tray or board, with the rounded sides facing out and touching in the center. This clever arrangement forms the butterfly wings. If needed, trim the edges a bit to get a symmetrical butterfly shape—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, that’s part of the homemade charm!
Step 4: Create the Butterfly Body
Now for the fun part! Use a small frosted cupcake, a candy stick, or a neat row of candies to form the butterfly’s body right in the center where the wings meet. This little detail brings your Easy Butterfly Cake to life and gives it that adorable finishing touch.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Spread your buttercream or whipped frosting over the wings. Divide the frosting and tint each portion with food coloring for a playful, colorful effect. Let everyone in on the fun by decorating with candies, sprinkles, and any edible goodies you love. The more creative, the better—think dots, stripes, and swirls that mimic real butterfly wings.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Once decorated, pop the whole cake in the fridge for a short chill. This helps set the frosting and keeps everything looking neat when you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to slice, stand back and admire your masterpiece before sharing it with friends and family!
How to Serve Easy Butterfly Cake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a subtle sparkle to your Easy Butterfly Cake, making those bright wings look even more magical. You can also add extra candies or edible flowers right before serving for a showy finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This cake is a party all on its own, but you can pair it with bowls of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a little fruit salad on the side for a lovely contrast to the sweet, fluffy cake. For drinks, lemonade or a pastel punch keeps things festive and fun!
Creative Ways to Present
Put your Easy Butterfly Cake on a big, colorful platter and surround it with a “garden” of green-tinted coconut for grass, or edible flowers for a whimsical scene. If you’re hosting a birthday, try adding a few candles to the butterfly’s body or wings to make it extra special for the guest of honor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any slices left (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for three to four days. Just be sure to keep it covered so the frosting doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Easy Butterfly Cake by wrapping each slice in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will keep well for up to two months. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour before enjoying.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored your cake in the fridge or freezer, simply let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften and the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch cake recipe, feel free to use it in place of the boxed mix. Just make sure the total amount of batter will fill two round cake pans for the classic Easy Butterfly Cake shape.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pans?
Grease your pans well with butter or nonstick spray, and consider lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles. This makes removing the cakes a breeze and keeps the edges smooth for cutting and arranging.
What kind of candies work best for decorating?
Any small, colorful candies are perfect—think M&Ms, Skittles, jelly beans, or even edible pearls. Mini marshmallows and licorice laces also add fun shapes and textures to your butterfly wings.
Can I make the Easy Butterfly Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your frosting and decorations are gluten-free too. The process and creativity remain exactly the same.
Is there a way to make the cake dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free cake mix (or make your own), swap in plant-based milk and oil for the wet ingredients, and use a dairy-free frosting. There are plenty of allergy-friendly decorating candies available, too.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butterfly Cake is proof that you don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen to create something truly magical. I hope you dive in and have as much fun making and sharing it as I always do—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe)!
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Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Butterfly Cake is a delightful and whimsical dessert perfect for kids’ birthdays and parties. Made from a basic vanilla or yellow cake mix, this cake is baked in round pans, creatively arranged, and decorated to resemble colorful butterfly wings. With buttercream frosting and a variety of candy decorations, this cake not only tastes delicious but also appeals visually, making it a fun and engaging treat for any celebration.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)
Frosting and Decoration
- 1 cup buttercream or whipped frosting
- Food coloring (optional, for frosting patterns)
- Assorted candies, sprinkles, or edible decorations for wings
- Optional: shredded coconut or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Batter: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the cake batter following the package directions completely.
- Bake Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. Bake as directed on the package, then let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
- Cut Cakes: Once cooled, carefully cut each round cake in half horizontally or vertically to create four halves.
- Arrange Butterfly Wings: Place the four cake halves cut-side down on a large tray or board. Arrange them so their rounded sides face outward and touch in the center, forming the butterfly’s wings. Trim the edges slightly if necessary to even out the shape.
- Create Butterfly Body: Position a small frosted cupcake, a candy stick, or a row of candies in the center where the cake halves meet to form the butterfly’s body.
- Frost and Decorate Wings: Use the buttercream frosting to cover the cake wings. Add food coloring to the frosting if desired, creating vibrant patterns or colorful designs. Decorate with assorted candies, sprinkles, or other edible decorations to mimic butterfly wing patterns.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cake slightly before serving to allow the frosting and decorations to set.
Notes
- Great for kids’ birthdays and party celebrations.
- Encourage children to help with decorating for a fun activity.
- Use any cake flavor such as chocolate or different cake mixes you prefer.
- Alternatively, bake one large round cake and slice it horizontally to create layers instead of separate cakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
