Description

This beautiful and easy butterfly cake is a delightful treat perfect for birthdays, spring parties, or garden-themed events. A simple vanilla or funfetti cake mix is transformed into a charming butterfly shape with colorful buttercream frosting, sprinkles, and decorative antennae made from candy melts or chocolate. It’s an impressive yet approachable dessert that will captivate kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box vanilla or funfetti cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)

Frosting and Decoration

1 1/2 cups buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Gel food coloring (optional, for frosting)
Sprinkles or colored sugar (for decorating)
Edible glitter or pearls (optional)

Antennae

Candy melts or chocolate (for antennae)
2 chocolate sticks or licorice ropes (optional, for butterfly body)
Parchment paper (for shaping antennae)

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Instructions

Prepare the cake batter: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the vanilla or funfetti cake mix. Divide the batter evenly between two 8-inch round cake pans.
Bake the cakes: Bake the cakes as directed on the box, usually around 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
Shape the butterfly wings: Once cooled, cut each cake in half horizontally to create two semi-circles from each cake. Flip the straight edges of two halves toward each other and position them with the pointed sides touching to form butterfly wings. Repeat with the other halves and arrange all four halves on a large serving board or tray to form the butterfly shape.
Color and apply frosting: Tint the buttercream frosting with your desired gel food coloring. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cake halves in symmetrical, wing-like patterns to resemble butterfly wings.
Add decorations: Decorate the frosting with sprinkles, colored sugar, edible glitter, or pearls to enhance the butterfly appearance and add visual interest.
Create antennae: Melt the candy melts or chocolate and pipe antennae shapes onto parchment paper. Allow them to set completely so they harden.
Assemble antennae and body: Gently insert the hardened candy antennae into the top center of the cake. Optionally, place chocolate sticks or licorice ropes horizontally between the wings to resemble the butterfly’s body.

Notes

This cake is perfect for birthdays, spring parties, or garden-themed events.
Chill the cake slightly before decorating to reduce crumbs and make frosting easier.
You can customize the frosting colors and decorations to match any party theme.
If you prefer, use homemade buttercream for fresher taste and control over sweetness.
Use parchment paper when shaping antennae to prevent sticking and ensure clean removal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American