15 Easy Steps To Perfect Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes

The delightful, iconic butterfly cakes from Mary Berry have charmed generations with their delicate appearance and scrumptious taste. If you've ever wanted to dive into the world of baking but felt intimidated, these butterfly cakes are the perfect starting point. Here's how you can make your own batch in 15 easy steps.

Understanding Butterfly Cakes

Butterfly cakes, also known as fairy cakes in some parts of the UK, are essentially mini sponge cakes topped with a swirl of buttercream and a cut-out piece of the cake itself, resembling butterfly wings. 🧁

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes" alt="Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes"> </div>

The Ingredients List

Before you embark on your baking adventure, ensure you have:

• 100g (4oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (4oz) caster sugar
• 100g (4oz) self-raising flour
• 2 large eggs
• A few drops of vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons of milk (optional, for consistency)
• For the Buttercream:
  • 55g (2oz) softened butter
  • 110g (4oz) icing sugar, sifted
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
• Icing sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butterfly Cakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. This ensures your cakes bake evenly.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Preheating Oven" alt="Preheating Oven"> </div>

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with paper cases. This will give you an even bake without the cakes sticking to the pan.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Paper Cases in Muffin Tin" alt="Paper Cases in Muffin Tin"> </div>

Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar

Cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Creaming Butter and Sugar" alt="Creaming Butter and Sugar"> </div>

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a little flour if the mixture begins to curdle. Incorporate the vanilla extract as well.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Adding Eggs to Cake Batter" alt="Adding Eggs to Cake Batter"> </div>

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold in the sifted self-raising flour until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mixing Flour into Cake Batter" alt="Mixing Flour into Cake Batter"> </div>

Step 6: Adjust the Consistency

If the batter is too stiff, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve a dropping consistency.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cake Batter Consistency" alt="Cake Batter Consistency"> </div>

Step 7: Fill the Cases

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cakes to rise.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Filling Cake Cases" alt="Filling Cake Cases"> </div>

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cakes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking Cakes" alt="Baking Cakes"> </div>

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=cooling butterfly cakes" alt="Cooling Butterfly Cakes"> </div>

Step 10: Prepare the Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, beat together the butter and icing sugar for the buttercream. Add milk or water to get a spreadable consistency.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=buttercream preparation" alt="Buttercream Preparation"> </div>

Step 11: Cut Out the Butterfly Shape

Once the cakes are cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small circle in the top of each cake. Cut the piece in half to form the butterfly wings.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cutting Butterfly Wings" alt="Cutting Butterfly Wings"> </div>

Step 12: Fill with Buttercream

Fill the hollowed-out part of the cake with buttercream. You can pipe it for a neat look or simply spread it with a spoon.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Filling Butterfly Cakes with Buttercream" alt="Filling Butterfly Cakes with Buttercream"> </div>

Step 13: Place the Wings

Place the 'wings' back on the cakes with the cut side down, creating the butterfly effect.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Placing Butterfly Wings" alt="Placing Butterfly Wings"> </div>

Step 14: Dust with Icing Sugar

Just before serving, dust with icing sugar to give your cakes that magical touch.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Dusting with Icing Sugar" alt="Dusting with Icing Sugar"> </div>

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

Your butterfly cakes are now ready to be served. Enjoy these delicate treats with a cup of tea or as part of a larger dessert spread.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Serving Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes" alt="Serving Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes"> </div>

As you master these butterfly cakes, they can be a fun and impressive treat to serve at parties, or simply as a delightful snack. Remember:

<p class="pro-note">🍰 Note: Always let the cakes cool completely before filling them to prevent the buttercream from melting into the sponge.</p>

<p class="pro-note">📚 Note: For a variation, you can add a little lemon zest to the batter or the buttercream for a zesty twist.</p>

The beauty of these cakes lies not only in their taste but also in their presentation. They're a delightful way to practice basic baking skills and can be personalized with different flavors or decorations.

By following these steps, you can recreate the magic of Mary Berry’s butterfly cakes in your kitchen. From the light sponge to the creamy buttercream and the whimsical butterfly wings, every bite is a testament to her timeless appeal in the baking world.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use any type of flour for butterfly cakes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Self-raising flour is recommended for the best rise and texture, but if you don’t have it, you can use plain flour with added baking powder.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I make my butterfly cakes last longer?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They should last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze butterfly cakes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the unfilled sponge cakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost them thoroughly before filling and assembling.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>