Growing up in the UK, butterfly cakes were a staple at every children’s birthday party. These delightful treats, also known as fairy cakes, hold a special place in British baking tradition. Whether you call them butterfly cakes or fairy cakes, the nostalgia they bring is undeniable.
The classic butterfly cakes are a charming combination of light vanilla sponge, sweet buttercream, and delicate cake wings. While the market offers a variety of sprinkles, I always find myself drawn back to the classic hundreds and thousands for that authentic touch.
With their whimsical appearance and delicious taste, butterfly cakes are perfect for tea parties, picnics, or any celebration. Embracing the essence of British baking, these treats continue to bring joy and a touch of nostalgia to those who indulge in them.
Ingredients
British butterfly cakes are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of traditional British baking. Let’s delve into the essential ingredients to create these classic and nostalgic butterfly cakes.
For the Cakes
- 160g unsalted butter, softened
- 160g golden caster sugar
- 3 medium free-range eggs, beaten
- 160g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp vanilla bean extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling
- 160g unsalted butter, softened
- 270g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- Hundreds and thousands sprinkles
- Icing sugar for dusting
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Crème Chantilly
- Strawberry Champagne Jam
Equipment Needed
As I prepare to bake these delightful British butterfly cakes, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that I need to ensure the process goes smoothly and the end result is perfect. Here is a list of the equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking pan
- Fairy cake paper liners (if available)
- Pastry bag with star tip
- Oven
Having these tools ready and organized will make the baking process more efficient and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the next steps of creating these nostalgic and delicious butterfly cakes.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather the essential ingredients for the British butterfly cakes recipe. Ensure you have unsalted butter, golden caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, vanilla bean extract, milk, and icing sugar at hand. Don’t forget the toppings like hundreds and thousands sprinkles, strawberries, Crème Chantilly, and Strawberry Champagne Jam.
Preheating the Oven
To begin, preheat your oven to 180C (350F) for a standard setting or adjust to 160C for fan-assisted ovens. Proper oven temperature is crucial for baking the perfect butterfly cakes. Make sure to line your muffin tray with fairy cake paper liners to prepare for the baking process.
Baking the Cakes
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients and preheated the oven, it’s time to start baking our delightful British butterfly cakes. Follow these simple steps to create these charming treats:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and gently fold it into the wet mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light and airy texture.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the prepared fairy cake paper liners, filling each one about two-thirds full. This will allow the cakes to rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake the cakes for about 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Decorate Your Butterfly Cakes
Once the cakes have cooled, mix the icing sugar with water and food coloring to create a smooth and colorful icing. Drizzle the icing over the cakes and finish off by sprinkling hundreds and thousands or any other decorations of your choice.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Fairy Cakes
Now that your British butterfly cakes are beautifully decorated, it’s time to indulge in these whimsical treats. Perfect for tea parties or as a sweet snack, these butterfly cakes are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Making the Filling
To create the delicious filling for the British butterfly cakes, we will be making a smooth and sweet buttercream icing that perfectly complements the light and fluffy vanilla sponge cakes. This filling adds a layer of richness and flavor to the classic recipe, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Preparing the Ingredients:
Prepare 200g of softened butter, 400g of icing sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the buttercream filling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The buttercream should have a light and fluffy texture for a perfect consistency.
- Filling the Cakes:
- Once the buttercream is ready, use a small palette knife or a piping bag to fill the cakes with the delicious icing. Spread dollops of buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes, ensuring each one is generously filled.
- Decorating the Cakes:
- To add a finishing touch to the butterfly cakes, you can dust them with a sprinkle of icing sugar or add colorful sprinkles on top of the buttercream. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the cakes but also adds a touch of sweetness.
- Serving and Enjoying:
- Serve the butterfly cakes immediately after decorating for a fresh and indulgent treat. You can also store them in a sealable container and enjoy them over the next few days, savoring the delightful combination of light sponge and creamy buttercream filling.
Assembling the Butterfly Cakes
Creating butterfly cakes is a delightful process that involves cutting, filling, and adding the wings to complete these whimsical treats. Let’s dive into the final steps to bring these charming cakes to life.
Cutting and Filling
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and prepare your muffin tin with paper liners.
- Using a small sharp knife, cut a disk from the top of each cake to create a well for the filling.
- Fill a piping bag with your prepared buttercream and pipe a dollop into the center of each cake.
- Spoon a small amount of lemon curd or jam on top of the buttercream to add a burst of flavor.
- Place the cut cake halves, resembling butterfly wings, into the buttercream.
- Lightly dust the assembled cakes with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Take the cake wings that were cut earlier and carefully place them into the buttercream at an angle to resemble butterfly wings.
- Gently press the wings into the buttercream to secure them in place.
- For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle hundreds and thousands or colorful sprinkles over the top of the butterfly cakes.
- Your butterfly cakes are now ready to be served and enjoyed, adding a touch of whimsy to any gathering or afternoon tea.
Serving and Storage
Best Practices for Serving
When serving British butterfly cakes, consider pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed tea or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat. These charming cakes are perfect for afternoon tea parties, birthdays, or any festive gathering. To showcase their whimsical design, present them on a decorative cake stand or a pretty platter.
Storage Tips
To preserve the freshness and taste of butterfly cakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to consume them within 2-3 days for the best quality. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the cakes for up to a week. Before serving refrigerated cakes, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance their texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Butterfly cakes are a delightful addition to any tea party or gathering, loved by both kids and adults for their whimsical charm and delicious taste. These nostalgic treats bring a touch of British baking tradition to the table with their light sponge, sweet buttercream filling, and colorful decorations. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack, butterfly cakes are sure to brighten any occasion. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and enjoy them at their best. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and tasty treat to serve, consider making these adorable butterfly cakes to impress your guests and indulge in a bit of baking magic.