Recipe card
Print / PDFButterfly Cupcakes Recipe
Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 20 mins
- Total Time
- 40 mins
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (essential for the cupcake base)
- 2 tsp baking powder (helps the cupcakes rise)
- ½ tsp salt (enhances flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness)
- 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)
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Tin — For baking the cupcakes
- 12 cupcake liners — To line the muffin tin
- 1 Mixing bowl — For mixing ingredients
- 1 whisk — For mixing dry ingredients
- 1 Spatula — For folding ingredients
- 1 piping bag — For decorating with frosting
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- 2
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- 3
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
- 4
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is blended nicely.
- 5
Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
- 6
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- 7
Divide the batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- 8
Cut the top third off each cupcake. Slice the removed tops in half to create butterfly wings.
- 9
Pipe frosting onto each cupcake base. Press the wing pieces into the frosting. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
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.
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.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
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!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What are butterfly cupcakes and how are they different from regular cupcakes?
What ingredients do I need to make butterfly cupcakes?
What is the best method for assembling and decorating butterfly cupcakes?
How can I store butterfly cupcakes and can they be made in advance?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






Comments
Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.
No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.