Butterfly Cake

Butterfly Cake – A Sweet and Playful Delight

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a spectacular cake called "Butterfly Cake." This recipe will not only bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones but will also be a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, exploring flavors and textures. The Butterfly Cake is perfect for birthdays, children's parties, or any occasion where you want to sprinkle a bit of magic into the lives of those around you.

The History of the Butterfly Cake

Over time, cakes have been symbols of celebration and prosperity, and the Butterfly Cake is no exception. Inspired by the beauty and delicacy of butterflies, this dessert brings a play of colors and textures to the table. Ideal for decorating with fresh fruits or colorful candies, this cake is sure to become the star of any meal.

Ingredients

*For the Cake Base:*
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

*For the Cream:*
- 1 mascarpone cheese (approx. 250 g)
- 300 g berry yogurt
- 200 ml liquid cream

*For the Syrup:*
- 150 ml water
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of vanilla or rum

*For Decoration:*
- 500 ml liquid cream
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Colorful candies (preferably pink to match the theme)

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Cake Base
The first step to creating this delicious cake is to focus on the cake base. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to use fresh eggs, as they will influence the final texture of the cake base.

2. Whip the Egg Whites
Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a glossy and stable foam. This step is essential, as well-beaten egg whites will make the cake base airy and fluffy.

3. Mix the Egg Yolks
In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the oil and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous and fluffy. Then, slowly add the beaten egg whites, folding gently with a spatula in an up-and-down motion to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

4. Add the Flour and Baking Powder
Gradually incorporate the sifted flour and baking powder, mixing gently until everything is well combined. The sifted flour will help achieve a fine and delicate texture for the cake base.

5. Bake the Cake Base
Grease a round baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 35 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake base is ready. Let it cool completely.

6. Prepare the Syrup
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by mixing the water with the vanilla sugar and the essence of vanilla or rum. Boil the mixture for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.

7. Prepare the Cream
Whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese and the berry yogurt. Add the whipped cream to this mixture, gently folding until you achieve a smooth and velvety cream.

8. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake base has cooled, cut it in half lengthwise. Flip the ends to form the wings of a butterfly. Soak each half with the prepared syrup. Then, spread the cream on each side of the cake base.

9. Decorate the Cake
To bring the cake to life, cover it with whipped liquid cream and use pink food coloring to give it a playful touch. You can add colorful candies on top, and for an even more attractive effect, you can place plastic figurines in the center of the cake.

10. Serving
The Butterfly Cake is best served cold, so let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing. Each slice will bring with it a taste of fairy tale, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or fresh lemonade.

Tips and Practical Advice

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to cook for the best results.
- Instead of berry yogurt, you can use natural yogurt or Greek yogurt for a more intense flavor.
- You can vary the flavors of the cream by adding a little lemon juice or almond essence, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although sweet, also offers some nutritional benefits. Mascarpone cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, while yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. Additionally, using eggs adds valuable protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace mascarpone cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the texture will be different.

2. What can I use instead of vanilla sugar?
You can use regular sugar and a drop of vanilla essence.

3. How can I make the cake healthier?
Replace sugar with natural sweeteners and use whole flour instead of white flour.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add whipped cream before freezing.

In conclusion, the Butterfly Cake is not only a delicious recipe but also a creative experience. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to bring magic into the kitchen. Each bite will be an unforgettable flight into the universe of flavors and colors!