A quick, fun cake to make for parties and at home.
introduction
This Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe is light, pretty, and simple to make. It uses a boxed yellow cake mix and whipped cream frosting, so you can finish fast. If you enjoy easy desserts, you may also like the banana cake with brown butter icing on our site for another simple treat.
why make this recipe
Make this cake when you want a pretty dessert without a lot of work. Kids love the butterfly look. It needs few ingredients and little time. It is great for birthdays, garden parties, or a quick celebration. If you want more fun poke-cake ideas, try the Boston cream poke cake for a different party cake.
how to make Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
Follow simple steps. Mix the cake batter and bake. Whip the cream for frosting. Cool the cake and top with whipped cream. Use large cookie pieces as wings and add sprinkles and fruit. For other easy cake methods, see a simple chocolate bundt cake recipe that uses the same basic ideas.
Ingredients :
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake recipe)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (optional for extra richness)
- 2-3 large cookies (e.g., sugar cookies or graham crackers)
- Assorted colorful sprinkles or edible glitter
- Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced kiwi (optional)
For some chocolate-y inspiration, you can also look at a dramatic dessert like chocolate earthquake cake.
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or two pans if making layers to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and softened butter (if using), then continue whipping until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread an even layer of whipped cream frosting over the top using a spatula or knife.
- Break the cookies into two large pieces each to form wings. Arrange the cookie pieces on top of the frosted cake with the curved edges facing outward to mimic butterfly wings.
- Sprinkle colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on the cookie wings for a festive touch. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit in the center of the cake or along the edges for extra color and flavor.
- Slice the cake and enjoy this delightful, butterfly-themed dessert perfect for celebrations!
If you like chocolate and fruit together, try a rich idea like the double chocolate banana cake for another party option.
how to serve Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
Cut the cake into regular slices. Place one slice on a plate and add a few extra berries if you used fruit. Serve with a fork and a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea. The cookie wings make each slice look special.
how to store Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
Keep the cake in the fridge because the frosting is whipped cream. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight cake box. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days. If you add very wet fruit, eat it the same day for best taste.
tips to make Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting to stop the cream from melting.
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for firmer whipped cream.
- Use firm cookies so the wings hold their shape.
- Add a little softened butter to the whipped cream if you want a richer frosting.
- For extra color, use different sprinkles on each wing.
variation (if any)
- Make mini butterfly cakes using cupcakes and half cookies for tiny wings.
- Use flavored whipped cream (add a little lemon or almond extract) for a different taste.
- Swap the sugar cookies for thin waffle cookies for a crunchy wing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
A: Yes. You can use your favorite yellow cake recipe instead of the box mix.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead?
A: You can whip the cream a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Re-whip briefly if it loses volume.
Q: What cookies work best for wings?
A: Large, firm cookies like sugar cookies or graham crackers work well. Avoid very soft cookies that break apart.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Freezing whipped cream frosting is not ideal. You can freeze the plain cake layers, then thaw and frost fresh.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free whipped topping and a dairy-free cake mix.
Conclusion
This Easy Butterfly Cake Recipe is quick, bright, and great for small celebrations. For a cupcake version and more butterfly dessert ideas, see Butterfly Cupcakes (British Butterfly Cakes) – Christina’s Cucina.
Easy Butterfly Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or two pans if making layers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and softened butter (if using), then continue whipping until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake is cooled, spread an even layer of whipped cream frosting over the top.
- Break the cookies into two large pieces each to form wings. Arrange them on top of the frosted cake with curved edges outward.
- Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit.