Butterfly cupcakes bring a burst of whimsy to your kitchen, like little edible butterflies ready to brighten any day. Soft vanilla cupcakes are topped with fluffy buttercream in pastel shades, then finished with delicate wafer wings that make each treat feel extra magical. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can bake moist cupcakes and decorate them beautifully without special tools. Perfect for garden parties or sweet surprises, these charming cupcakes turn baking into a fun, memory making celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This butterfly cupcakes
- Delightfully whimsical and perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors and toppings.
- Fun and interactive decorating process for all ages.
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
butterfly cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is blended nicely.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Cut the top third off each cupcake. Slice the removed tops in half to create butterfly wings.
- Pipe frosting onto each cupcake base. Press the wing pieces into the frosting. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make delicious butterfly cupcakes!
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – essential for the cupcake base
- 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness
- 2 tsp baking powder – helps the cupcakes rise
- ½ tsp salt – enhances flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened for easy mixing
- 2 large eggs – bind the ingredients together
- ½ cup milk – keeps the batter moist
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds delightful flavor
- food coloring – optional for a fun twist
- frosting of choice – to decorate your cupcakes
How to Make Butterfly Cupcakes
Get ready to create delightful butterfly cupcakes! This fun recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 18-20 minutes to bake, and a little extra time for decorating. Let’s spread some joy with these charming treats!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is blended nicely.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Wings
Cut the top third off each cupcake. Slice the removed tops in half to create butterfly wings.
Step 9: Decorate
Pipe frosting onto each cupcake base. Press the wing pieces into the frosting. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | With frosting and sprinkles! |
Pro Tips for Making Butterfly Cupcakes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Cut the cupcake tops in a gentle curve for perfect wings.
- Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves for a surprise.
- Use a piping bag for neat frosting and decoration.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before decorating to avoid melting.
How to Serve this butterfly cupcakes
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra fluffiness.
- Pair with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea.
- Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun party vibe.
- Enjoy alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Store your butterfly cupcakes to keep them fresh and delicious:
Storing Leftovers
- Place cupcakes in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight.
- For a warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Let sit for a minute before enjoying for best texture.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are butterfly cupcakes and how are they different from regular cupcakes?
Butterfly cupcakes are a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes. They are typically made by cutting a small section out of the top of the cupcake, which is then sliced in half to resemble butterfly wings. This unique presentation, often filled with cream or jam and topped with frosting, sets them apart from regular cupcakes, which are usually just frosted on top.
2. What ingredients do I need to make butterfly cupcakes?
To make butterfly cupcakes, you will need basic cupcake ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, butter, and milk. For the frosting, you can use butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Additionally, you might want to include jam or whipped cream for the filling, and some colorful sprinkles for decoration. Feel free to substitute any ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences!
3. What is the best method for assembling and decorating butterfly cupcakes?
To assemble butterfly cupcakes, first bake your cupcakes and let them cool completely. Cut a small cone shape from the top of each cupcake and slice it in half to create the wings. Fill the center with jam or whipped cream, then place the ‘wings’ back on top, slightly angled. Finally, frost the cupcakes and add sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun touch. This method not only looks beautiful but also adds a delicious surprise inside!
4. How can I store butterfly cupcakes and can they be made in advance?
Butterfly cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to make them in advance, you can bake the cupcakes and freeze them without frosting. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them, fill and decorate as desired. This way, you can enjoy fresh butterfly cupcakes anytime without the last-minute rush!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try these delightful butterfly cupcakes as we are! They’re not just a treat for the taste buds but also a fun way to unleash your creativity. So gather your loved ones, whip up this simple recipe, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts. Happy baking!