Butterfly Birthday Cake

🧁 Cake Ingredients (Vanilla Base)

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk
• Optional: ½ cup sprinkles for funfetti version

🎨 Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3½–4 cups (420–480g) powdered sugar
• 2–4 tbsp milk or cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Gel food coloring (choose 2–3 pastel or bright colors)

🍭 Decorations (Pick Your Style)

• Edible glitter or shimmer dust
• Sprinkles, sanding sugar
• Candy melts or M&Ms
• Gummy worms (for antennae)
• Black licorice strings or piped chocolate for outlines
• Wafer paper or fondant for wings

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk until combined.
6. Stir in sprinkles if using.
7. Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely.

2. Carve the Butterfly Shape

1. Place both round cakes side by side on a board.
2. Slice each cake diagonally from top-left to bottom-right (like an X).
3. Flip the inner cut pieces outward — the curves now form butterfly “wings”: cssCopyEdit\ / \ / X → [WINGS] / \ / \
4. Leave space in the center for a butterfly “body” — you can use cake scraps, cookies, or fondant.

3. Prepare the Buttercream

• Beat butter until creamy.
• Slowly mix in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
• Divide into bowls and tint each with your favorite gel food colors.

4. Decorate!

• Spread or pipe colored buttercream over each wing section.
• Use sprinkles and candies to create symmetrical “wing patterns.”
• Pipe a chocolate or licorice body in the center and add antennae.
• Add edible glitter or shimmer for magic ✨

✅ Tips

• For smooth cuts, chill cake layers before carving.
• Use offset spatulas or piping bags for detailed decorating.
• Store in the fridge, but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.