Using just a box of cake mix, premade icing, and a few simple steps, you can transform an ordinary cake into a fluttering butterfly cake that will wow everyone at your table!
This butterfly cake is such a fun and simple way to turn an ordinary dessert into something magical that kids will love helping with!
You don’t need any fancy baking skills or special pans.
All it takes is a box of cake mix, a tub of premade icing, and a little bit of creativity. By cutting a round cake into two semicircles and carving a small triangle from each straight edge, you create beautiful wing shapes.
Then you arrange them with the curved edges facing each other, ice everything in pink, and add white icing details and candy decorations.
The result is a whimsical butterfly that looks like it flew right out of a storybook! This method is similar to other shaped cakes like the bunny cake, and it’s perfect for birthday parties, tea parties, or a fun weekend baking project with the kids.
Jump to:
- Using just a box of cake mix, premade icing, and a few simple steps, you can transform an ordinary cake into a fluttering butterfly cake that will wow everyone at your table!
- How to make a butterfly cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you make a butterfly cake from a round cake?
- Can I use a boxed cake mix for a butterfly cake?
- What type of frosting is best for a butterfly cake?
- How do you decorate butterfly cake wings without fondant?
- How do you make antennae for a butterfly cake?
- What color frosting should I use for a butterfly cake?
- Final Thoughts
How to make a butterfly cake
You only need one 9 or 10 inch round cake, baked from a box mix (or your favorite from scratch recipe). Let the cake cool completely before you start cutting and decorating. Here’s everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient / Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 box cake mix (vanilla or chocolate) | Prepare as directed on the box |
| Pink icing (about 2 cups) | Store bought or homemade buttercream |
| White icing (about 1/2 cup) | For piping outlines and antennae |
| Assorted pink and white candies | Sprinkles, candy pearls, or small chocolate pieces |
| Offset spatula or butter knife | For spreading pink icing |
| Piping bag or sandwich bag | Cut a tiny corner to pipe white icing |
| 9 or 10 inch round cake pan | One cake makes one butterfly |
- Bake and cool. Bake your round cake according to the cake mix directions. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is so important because a warm cake will crumble when you cut it.
- Cut the cake in half. Use a long serrated knife to slice the round cake straight down the middle, creating two identical semicircles.
- Carve the wing shape. From the straight edge of each semicircle, cut out a small triangle (about 2 inches wide at the base). This notch will give each wing that classic butterfly silhouette.
- Arrange the wings. Place the two semicircles on a serving platter or cake board with the curved edges facing each other. They should meet in the middle to form a butterfly shape with a gap in the center for the body.
- Ice the whole cake pink. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of pink icing over the entire top and sides of both semicircles. Don’t use too much frosting or it will hide the wing shape. A smooth, flat finish looks best.
- Pipe white details. Fill a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off) with white icing. Pipe an outline around each wing to define the edges. Then pipe a thin line down the center for the butterfly’s body, and two curved lines at the top for antennae.
- Decorate with candies. While the icing is still soft, press assorted pink and white candies onto the wings. Sprinkle candy pearls, sprinkles, or small chocolate pieces in fun patterns. Let the kids go wild with their creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a butterfly cake from a round cake?
Can I use a boxed cake mix for a butterfly cake?
What type of frosting is best for a butterfly cake?
How do you decorate butterfly cake wings without fondant?
How do you make antennae for a butterfly cake?
What color frosting should I use for a butterfly cake?
Final Thoughts
This butterfly cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful creation that combines baking with artistic flair. It’s perfect for birthday parties, tea parties, or simply brightening someone’s day. Get the kids involved in the decorating step and watch their imaginations take flight! And if you love fun shaped cakes, you’ll also enjoy our Chocolate Birthday Cake or this adorable Jellycat Birthday Cake for your next celebration. Happy baking!
