Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the kettle whistles, I revel in the serene moment of watching dried butterfly pea flowers bloom into a dazzling blue hue. This is the magic behind my vibrant Butterfly Pea Flower Cake—a delightful blend of flavors and a feast for the eyes. Not only is this recipe a beginner-friendly venture into unique baking, but it’s also gluten-free and offers a healthy twist on traditional desserts. The moist, tender cake is elevated by creamy coconut undertones, transforming a simple slice into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this cake brings a taste of adventure to your kitchen. Are you ready to add a splash of color to your baking repertoire? Why is this cake so special? Unique Flavors: This Butterfly Pea Flower Cake surprises with its delicate floral notes and creamy coconut undertones, perfect for adventurous palates. Gluten-Free Option: Adapting this recipe for gluten-free diets means no one misses out on the fun. Stunning Presentation: The eye-catching blue hue makes it a showstopper, ideal for celebrations or a casual dessert evenings. Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps and commonly found ingredients, even novice bakers can shine! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your friends and family with a cake that’s not just delicious but also visually captivating. Serve it with a slice of Strawberry Shortcake Fluff for a charming dessert spread! Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for your enchanting Butterfly Pea Flower Cake! For the Cake Batter All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; it creates a tender yet sturdy crumb. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and retains moisture, keeping the cake irresistibly soft. Unsweetened Coconut Milk – Provides creaminess to complement the floral notes; substitute with almond or soy milk if needed. Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb; melted coconut oil works well, too. Large Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; make sure they’re at room temperature for best mixing. Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers – Responsible for color and flavor; butterfly pea powder can be used for easier blending. Baking Powder – A key leavening agent to help the cake rise; always check for freshness. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity, making each bite delightful. Salt – A crucial flavor booster that brightens the overall taste profile. Lemon Juice – Balances flavor and enhances the cake’s vibrant color; a must in any baking! Water – Necessary for steeping the butterfly pea flowers, ensuring that magical hue is fully extracted. Optional Topping Ideas Cream Cheese Frosting – Elevates the cake with a rich, tangy layer of sweetness. Whipped Cream – Adds a light and airy finish; perfect for a refreshing touch. Enjoy crafting this unique dessert that not only tastes divine but also dazzles the senses with every slice of Butterfly Pea Flower Cake! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it lightly with vegetable oil or lining it with parchment paper. The oven should be ready by the time you finish preparing the cake batter, ensuring optimal baking conditions for your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake. Step 2: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers In a small saucepan, boil 1/4 cup of water. Once boiling, add the dried butterfly pea flowers, allowing them to steep for 5–10 minutes. As the flowers infuse, you’ll witness the water transform into a vibrant blue hue. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This mixture is crucial for the structure of your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake, ensuring it rises beautifully. Set this bowl aside and get ready to combine your wet ingredients next for a perfect blend. Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, mix the cooled butterfly pea flower tea, unsweetened coconut milk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The floral notes from the butterfly pea flowers will meld harmoniously with the creaminess of the coconut, contributing to the cake’s delightful flavor. Step 5: Fold Wet into Dry Ingredients Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. You want the batter to be moist and well mixed, with a few small lumps remaining for a light and airy texture in your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake. Step 6: Pour the Batter Pour the cake batter into your prepared 9-inch round cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly, ensuring it settles without air pockets. The vibrant color from the butterfly pea tea will create a beautiful canvas as it bakes, promising a stunning party piece when it’s ready. Step 7: Bake the Cake Place the cake pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake will have risen and will be lightly golden around the edges when it’s perfectly baked. Step 8: Cool in the Pan Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is essential to allow the cake to set and makes it easier to transfer without breaking. After the time is up, gently run a knife around the edges before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Step 9: Frost the Cake (Optional) Once your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake is cool, feel free to frost it with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor. Smooth the frosting over the top with a spatula, creating an elegant finish. For an added touch of beauty, consider garnishing with edible flowers or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. How to Store and Freeze Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Room Temperature: Keep your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled to prevent moisture buildup. Fridge: If you’d like to preserve its freshness a bit longer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week. This will keep it moist but may slightly alter its texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted slices of the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This can last up to 2 months, ensuring you have delightful treats ready anytime. Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel! Expert Tips for Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Avoid Overmixing: Keep it light: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for that airy texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Check freshness: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for a great rise. Expired ingredients can result in a flat cake. Monitor Steeping Time: Get the right color: Steep butterfly pea flowers for 5-10 minutes for the best blue hue. Too long can lead to bitterness. Let It Cool Completely: Avoid melting: Always cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent your icing from sliding off. Consider Gluten-Free Options: Make it inclusive: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free Butterfly Pea Flower Cake that everyone can enjoy! What to Serve with Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Enhance your culinary experience with vibrant accompaniments that turn your baking adventure into a memorable feast. Coconut Sorbet: A refreshing, creamy treat that echoes the coconut flavors in your cake while adding a cool, smooth texture. Tropical Fruit Salad: Colorful, juicy fruits like mango and pineapple add a zesty contrast, balancing the sweetness and floral notes of the cake. Lemon Meringue Tart: This tart’s tangy lemon flavor pairs beautifully, offering a bright, citrusy counterpart that will invigorate the palate. Creamy Whipped Topping: Light and airy, it adds a delightful richness, inviting everyone to savor each slice of the Butterfly Pea Flower Cake. Green Tea: A warm cup of this beverage provides a subtle earthiness that complements the floral hints in your cake, creating a calming experience. Chocolate Ganache: If you’re feeling indulgent, a rich drizzle of chocolate ganache perfectly enhances the sweetness while contrasting with the floral flavor. Indulge in these delightful pairings, elevating your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake into a deliciously memorable occasion! Make Ahead Options These delightful Butterfly Pea Flower Cakes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients as instructed, but hold off on pouring the batter into the pan. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, allow the batter to come to room temperature before pouring it into the prepared pan and baking as directed. For even more convenience, you can bake the cake up to 3 days ahead and keep it unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just remember to frost it just before serving to ensure that it’s just as delicious as when it was freshly baked! Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Variations Feel free to get creative with your cake, enhancing flavors and textures to suit your taste! Dairy-Free: Replace coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter twist while maintaining moisture. Butterfly Pea Powder: Opt for butterfly pea powder instead of dried flowers for easier mixing and similar vibrant color. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for a cake everyone can enjoy. Fruit Infusion: Add a cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity burst, enhancing both flavor and color. Citrus Zest Boost: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus kick that complements the floral notes beautifully. Coconut Flakes: Fold in unsweetened coconut flakes for added texture and deeper coconut flavor, making every bite even more delightful. Spice It Up: A dash of cardamom or cinnamon can be mixed into the batter, introducing a warm and exotic flavor profile to the cake. Chill and Serve: For a refreshing twist, serve the cake chilled with a scoop of ice cream, creating a delightful contrast to the tender cake. Don’t forget to pair your delightful creation with a slice of Chocolate Mousse Cake for a rich dessert experience! Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Recipe FAQs What kind of butterfly pea flowers should I use? I recommend using dried butterfly pea flowers for deeper color and flavor. You can find them at specialty stores or online. If you prefer convenience, butterfly pea powder is also suitable; just use about 1-2 tablespoons. How should I store my Butterfly Pea Flower Cake? Store your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cool to prevent any moisture build-up! Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely! To freeze your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake, wrap unfrosted slices individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. This will keep them fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Why is my cake dense or flat? If your cake turned out dense, you might have overmixed the batter; always mix until just combined. For a flat cake, check the freshness of your baking powder; expired baking powder can prevent your cake from rising properly. Is it safe for pets or anyone with allergies? While butterfly pea flowers are non-toxic, always consult with a veterinarian regarding any new foods for your pets. If you have allergies, check each ingredient carefully—especially for gluten if you’re making a gluten-free version! Irresistible Butterfly Pea Flower Cake for Your Next Celebration Delight in the unique flavors of Butterfly Pea Flower Cake, a vibrant, gluten-free dessert perfect for any celebration. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 8 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: Gluten-FreeCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Ingredients1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Essential for structure1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture1 cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk Provides creaminess1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Adds moisture3 Large Eggs At room temperature1/4 cup Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers For color and flavor1 tbsp Baking Powder Key leavening agent1 tbsp Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor1/2 tsp Salt Flavor booster2 tbsp Lemon Juice Balances flavor and color1/4 cup Water For steeping flowersOptional Topping Ideas1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting For a rich layer1 cup Whipped Cream For a light finish Equipment 9-inch Round Cake PanMixing bowlsWhiskspatulaFine-mesh sieveoven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Butterfly Pea Flower CakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan.In a small saucepan, boil 1/4 cup of water and steep dried butterfly pea flowers for 5–10 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.In another bowl, mix cooled butterfly pea flower tea, coconut milk, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently until just combined.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Frost with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg NotesThis cake brings a delicious blend of flavors and is perfect for any occasion. Consider serving it with a side of Strawberry Shortcake Fluff for a charming dessert spread. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
