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Butterfly Cakes

Butterfly Fairy Cakes, British Butterfly Cakes

United Kingdom

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Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

These whimsical treats are a staple of British tea parties and celebrations. Their playful shape and creamy centres make them a delightful choice for children's birthdays. They offer a light, sweet flavour with a charming presentation.

British Isles Dessert Birthdays
Dessert
Difficulty

Easy

Servings

12

Prep Time

15 minutes

Make Time

20 minutes

Calories

210 / serving

Diet

Vegetarian

Protein 3.0g
Fat 11.0g
Carbs 24.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
Lactose Intolerance
IBS
Diabetes
Indigestion
High Blood Pressure
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The Cooking Breakdown

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STEP 1

Beat the margarine and sugar together in a warm basin until creamy.

Ingredients

Servings: 12
115g / 4 oz self-raising
55g / 2 oz
55g / 2 oz
1 large / 1 large
2ml / 4 drops
100g / 3.5 oz or
Ingredients at a glance
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Instructions

Main
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Beat the margarine and sugar together in a warm basin until creamy.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Gradually stir in the flour and beaten egg alternately, mixing thoroughly until the batter is soft.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Stir in the vanilla essence or preferred flavouring.

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Half fill 12 paper cups with the batter.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Bake in a hot oven at 220-230 degrees Celsius (425-450 degrees Fahrenheit) for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely.

Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Once cold, carefully slice a small piece off the top of each cake and cut that slice in half to create two wings.

Step 8 instruction thumbnail 8

Place a small dab of whipped cream or buttercream into the cavity and arrange the wings on top of the cream.

Nutritional Benefits

Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.

Contains calcium from the dairy components.

Offers essential amino acids from the egg.

Provides small amounts of vitamins from the flour.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

From the Blog All Contributions

Whimsical British Butterfly Cakes

Butterfly Cakes
Avghi Stephenson
Avghi Stephenson
10 Aug 2026

Self-raising flour and margarine form the base of these nostalgic British treats, creating a light sponge that is perfect for afternoon tea. The magic happens after baking, when a small slice of the cake top is split into two delicate wings. This clever technique transforms a standard fairy cake into a playful butterfly.

Adding a generous dab of whipped cream or rich buttercream into the centre provides a velvety contrast to the soft crumb. The vanilla essence adds a gentle warmth that ties the sweetness together beautifully.

A Tea Party Classic

These cakes are wonderful for sharing with family or bringing to a gathering. Their charming appearance always brings a smile to the table, making them a lovely addition to any dessert spread.

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Yumpedia: United Kingdom

The Story Behind the Region & Its Cuisine

Butterfly Cakes history
Read more in Yumpedia

Butterfly cakes are a distinctive variation of the traditional British fairy cake. While fairy cakes are typically small, plain sponges topped with a swirl of icing, the butterfly cake involves a clever bit of surgery where the top of the cake is removed and split to create wings. This transformation turns a simple sponge into a decorative treat, reflecting the British fondness for novelty and presentation in home baking.

The tradition of the fairy cake emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the rise of refined sugar and flour. These miniature cakes were designed to be dainty and easy to serve at afternoon tea. The butterfly variation likely gained popularity in mid-century home cooking, where parents sought creative ways to make treats more appealing for children's parties.

Continue reading in Yumpedia

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