No-fuss Gluten-Free Butterfly Cakes Recipe
Gather round, baking enthusiasts! Let me introduce you to the delightful world of gluten-free butterfly cakes – those charming little teatime treats that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
These adorable miniature sponge cakes, traditionally a staple of British afternoon tea, have been brilliantly reimagined for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing an ounce of their classic charm.
Imagine a light, fluffy sponge base topped with a dollop of sweet buttercream, with delicate “wings” created by cutting the top of the cake and positioning it just so – all while being completely gluten-free.
Whether you’re coeliac, wheat-sensitive, or simply curious about inclusive baking, these butterfly cakes are sure to bring a smile to your face and a bit of nostalgic magic to your kitchen.
Fancy giving them a go? Brilliant!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
Child-Friendly Baking Adventure: These cakes are incredibly fun to make with children, offering a playful and engaging baking experience that creates lasting memories.
Versatile Flavour Options: You can easily customize these cakes with variations like chocolate, lemon, or jam-filled versions, making them adaptable to different taste preferences.
Perfect for Celebrations: Gluten-free butterfly cakes are ideal for birthday parties, afternoon tea, or as a special treat during school holidays, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities aren’t left out of the fun.
Light and Fluffy Texture: Despite being gluten-free, these cakes maintain a wonderfully light and fluffy sponge texture that rivals traditional butterfly cakes.
Inclusive Dessert Option: They provide a delicious solution for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities, allowing everyone to enjoy a classic British teatime treat without compromising on taste or presentation.
Ingredients
- 170 g unsalted butter
- 170 g Castor sugar
- 170 g Gluten-free self-raising flour
- 3 Eggs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and castor sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer, or a bit longer if doing it by hand. The mixture should be pale and creamy.
- Slowly beat in the eggs one at a time, folding in small amounts of flour as you mix. This gradual addition helps prevent curdling. Continue until all eggs and flour are incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Carefully divide the cake mixture between 18-20 paper cases arranged in a muffin tin. Fill each case about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes at 180℃ (Gas Mark 4) until golden brown and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
- Once completely cooled on a wire rack, use a sharp knife to cut a small circular wedge from the top of each cake, about 2-3 cm in diameter and 1 cm deep.
- Add a generous dollop of your favourite jam into the cut area. Strawberry or raspberry work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other flavours.
- Take the removed cake wedge and cut it in half. Gently place these two pieces on top of the jam to create “butterfly wings”, angling them slightly for a realistic effect.
- For the finishing touch, lightly dust the cakes with icing sugar using a small sieve for an even coating. Alternatively, pipe or spread buttercream icing on the tops and add colourful sprinkles for a more indulgent treat.
What to serve with gluten-free butterfly cakes
Afternoon Tea
Gluten-free butterfly cakes are a delightful treat that shines brightest when served during a traditional British afternoon tea. Picture a charming table set with a steaming pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea, accompanied by these delicate little cakes.
They’re particularly wonderful when presented alongside other gluten-free delicacies like light scones or dainty finger sandwiches, creating a spread that’s both inclusive and utterly delicious.
Children’s Parties
For children’s parties or casual gatherings, these butterfly cakes become a true showstopper. Their playful design and sweet taste make them irresistible to both kids and adults.
You can elevate their presentation by serving them with a variety of complementary beverages such as hot chocolate, herbal tea, or classic coffee, ensuring there’s something for every taste preference.
To truly make these cakes special, consider offering some delightful accompaniments.
Delicious Extras
A small dish of extra jam, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scattering of seasonal fresh berries can transform these already charming cakes into a truly memorable dessert.
A final light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance and makes them look professionally prepared.
The beauty of gluten-free butterfly cakes lies in their versatility and ability to bring people together, proving that dietary restrictions need never compromise on taste or enjoyment.
Ready to make your own gluten-free Butterfly Cakes? Then let’s go:
Gluten-Free Butterfly Cakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Mixing Bowl
- 20 Paper Cake Cases
- Baking tray
- Butter Knife
Ingredients
- 170 g Unsalted butter (6 oz)
- 170 g Castor sugar
- 170 g Gluten-free self-raising flour
- 3 Eggs
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs slowly and fold in small amounts of flour as you go.
- Divide the mixture between 18-20 cake cases.
- Bake 20-25 mins at 180℃ or (Gas 4).
- When cool cut out a wedge on top of the fairy cake and pop in some jam, cut the small wedge in half and place on top of jam-like wings, then dust with icing sugar. Alternatively, ice the tops and add sprinkles. Enjoy.
Nutrition
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for more gluten-free cake recipes, then try these 👇
- Gluten-free apple cake
- Gluten-free flapjacks
- Gluten-free Welsh griddle cake
- Gluten-free chocolate cupcakes
Gluten-Free Butterfly Cakes Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free butterfly cake recipe:
Contamination Prevention
- Use separate utensils and cooking surfaces dedicated to gluten-free baking
- Avoid wooden utensils that may harbour gluten residue
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling ingredients
- Consider labelling shared ingredients like butter and jam as “gluten-free”
Baking Techniques
- Use gluten-free self-raising flour with a small amount of xanthan gum for better texture
- Add milk to help bind the ingredients and improve moisture
- Use an electric whisk to ensure ingredients are fully combined
- Fill cake cases only two-thirds full to allow room for rising
Flavour Variations
- Raspberry jam
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate buttercream, vanilla buttercream
- Add zest or vanilla extract for extra flavour
- Experiment with cocoa powder for chocolate butterfly cakes
Decoration Ideas
- Dust with icing sugar
- Add gluten-free sprinkles
- Pipe buttercream in different patterns
- Use fresh berries as a topping
Storage
- Store buttercream-filled cakes in the refrigerator
- Cover well to maintain freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Store Gluten-Free Butterfly Cakes?
Gluten-free butterfly cakes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Do not keep them in the fridge, as this can affect their texture.
Are These Cakes Easy to Make with Children?
Absolutely! Gluten-free butterfly cakes are fantastic for baking with kids. They can help measure ingredients, mix the batter, and especially enjoy decorating the cakes with “butterfly wings.
Can I customize the flavours?
Yes! You can experiment with various fillings such as
- Raspberry jam, lemon curd, chocolate buttercream, add cocoa powder for chocolate versions.
- Include extra vanilla extract for enhanced flavour
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Just use a dairy-free butter such as coconut oil or vegan margarine.
What Special Ingredients Do I Need?
- Gluten-free self-raising flour
- Xanthan gum (helps bind the mixture)
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Can I Make These Cakes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these cakes in advance and freeze them in an airtight container. Defrost at room temperature for 24 hours.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
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No-Fuss Gluten-Free Butterfly Cakes
These charming little cakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat; perfect for afternoon tea.
These are so nostalgic and turned out perfectly for a tea party vibe.