Originally posted at http://crystalgh.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-make-a-Butterfly-Cupcake-Cake (my other blog)
DIY Butterfly Cupcake Cake
Cupcakes and “cupcake cakes” are a huge trend right now, especially for children’s parties. Not only can the layouts be very creative but you also do not need a knife to cut the cake – just pull it apart one cupcake per serving! This post is one example of a cupcake cake that was made (for a baby shower). By following the easy step by step instructions anyone can create this cute and simple alternative to the standard cake.
- First bake as many cupcakes as you need for your design. This butterfly is 36 cupcakes arranged on a half sheet cake cardboard. Use cupcake paper liners that go with your theme (these will be visible on the side of the cupcake cake since only the top is decorated).
- Next you will begin to layout your cupcakes into the shape you want. You will need to use ribbon to loosely bind your cupcakes together (which will prevent gaps where frosting will fall through and keep the entire “cake” in one piece until serving). Any ribbon will do, choose one with a color that goes with your theme.
- With this design I tied four separate areas to keep the design tight. The upper right, lower right, then upper left, and lower left. Remember that the cupcakes need to fit very closely together, so a little squishing is necessary. Be mindful to tie the ribbons toward the bottom center so you can leave a decorative ribbon curl at the bottom of the butterfly. See photo left and below.
- For the butterfly, you can add antennae by wrapping one pipe cleaner around a popsicle stick and simply putting it under the center of the butterfly.
Fill in color blocks of frosting.
- Once your cupcake cake is assembled you need to add frosting. Any quality frosting will do. It may be necessary to put the frosting on a bit thicker than a regular cake since the cupcake tops vary in height and have a rounded shape. Cover with enough frosting so you can smooth it flat. A trick is to use a icing bag to pipe the frosting on and then smooth it down with a spatula.
- Pipe the frosting into your desired color blocks and smooth flat. Generally work from the center out.
- Once all of the base is covered and smooth, add a border and details as desired.
- The example also has white chocolate booties and pacifier decorations. Additional decorations can be added for interest just like any cake.
With white chocolate decorations.
- Finally add any writing or final touches to the cake.
It is just that simple. Now impress your family and friends with your own creation!
DIY Millennial 
