These Mary Berry butterfly cakes are light, fluffy, and topped with a creamy frosting, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Introduction:
There’s something magical about biting into a Mary Berry butterfly cake. The moment you break through the light, fluffy sponge, you’re greeted by a smooth, buttery frosting that melts in your mouth. The soft sweetness of the cake paired with the richness of the frosting creates the perfect balance. As the powdered sugar dusts the top, the cakes look like little butterflies, delicate and inviting. Making these cakes fills the kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of fresh baking, turning any afternoon into a celebration. Let me show you how to make these irresistible treats that not only taste amazing but look beautiful too!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (115g) all-purpose flour
- 2 extra-large eggs
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp (115g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ¾ cup (175g) salted butter, softened
- 2¾ cups (350g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I find using a hand mixer makes this step quicker and easier.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once mixed, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the center of each cake, saving the tops. Fill the hole with the buttercream frosting. Place the saved tops back on, cutting them in half to form butterfly wings.
- Dust the cakes with extra powdered sugar to finish.
Perfect Pairings for Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes
These butterfly cakes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed tea or a light fruit salad. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Mary Berry’s Irresistible Butterfly Cakes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I find using a hand mixer makes this step quicker and easier.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once mixed, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the center of each cake, saving the tops. Fill the hole with the buttercream frosting. Place the saved tops back on, cutting them in half to form butterfly wings.
- Dust the cakes with extra powdered sugar to finish.
Notes
Perfect Pairings for Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes
These butterfly cakes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed tea or a light fruit salad. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.If you love our Mary Berry Butterfly Cakes Recipe, you’ll want to try Mary Berry’s Battenberg Cake next. It’s a treat that’s just as flavorful and fun!
Nutritional Value (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Conclusion:
Mary Berry butterfly cakes are a delightful treat that’s simple to make yet impressive in flavor and presentation. The fluffy cake paired with the creamy frosting makes for a perfect bite every time. Whether for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, these cupcakes will never disappoint. Enjoy!

