Butterfly cakes are a special type of cupcake served in Britain, made by scooping out the top of a cupcake and filling it with jam or icing before replacing the two halves to look like butterfly wings. They can be decorated with various designs and are more fragile than regular cupcakes.
The term “butterfly cake” can refer to either a full-sized cake shaped and decorated like a butterfly, or a special type of cupcake that is served in Britain. In England, where cupcakes are known as fairy cakes, butterfly cakes are seen as a special treat and can get quite elaborate. This type of cupcake is also relatively easy to make and can be a fun way to wow or amuse guests who might be tired of traditional, basic cupcakes.
To make butterfly-shaped cakes, cooks start by making regular cupcakes and letting them cool. Once the cupcakes have cooled, the tops of each cupcake are carefully scooped out with a spoon and cut in half, creating two textured semi-circles of cake. Then, the hole in the butterfly cake is filled with jam, icing, whipped cream, or another thick, sweet substance, and the two halves are carefully replaced so they look like the wings of a butterfly.
When a butterfly cake is made with a dexterous and steady hand it almost looks as if a butterfly has landed on top of the cupcake for a moment and the illusion can be enhanced with the use of decorations which can be used to create false antennas or to embellish the wings of the butterfly. You can even host a butterfly cake decorating party, allowing people to personalize their own versions of the butterfly cake before eating them.
Any number of cupcake recipes can be used to make butterfly cakes and there are many ways you can play with the basic design. For example, cupcakes could be lightly frosted to create a green background, making it look like the butterfly has landed on a leaf, and butterfly enthusiasts could decorate their butterfly cakes with biologically accurate colors. Given the myriad of butterfly species in the world, one has an array of patterns and colors to choose from.
Butterfly cakes are more fragile than regular cupcakes, which can make them a little difficult to transport. It’s a good idea to use a covered container; some companies make containers specifically designed to carry cupcakes that will keep them from slipping and preserve the top. Once these cupcakes arrive at their final destination, they can be arranged on regular serving platters, with some cooks opting to arrange butterfly cakes around a larger cake for greater effect.
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