Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, a swirl of blue emerged from a simple pot of boiling water and dried flowers, and I couldn’t help but smile at how magical the process of baking can be. The Butterfly Pea Flower Cake I was about to whip up promised not just a feast for the taste buds, but a visual delight as well, showcasing a stunning hue that would intrigue anyone. This unique dessert, with its floral flavor and creamy coconut milk, is perfect for those who love to create homemade wonders and impress their friends at gatherings. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, so it’s ideal whether you’re just starting out or looking to try something fun and different. Are you ready to add a splash of color and flavor to your baking adventures? Why Is This Cake Unique? Vibrant Color: The butterfly pea flower transforms this cake into a stunning visual masterpiece that is sure to catch everyone’s eye at any gathering. Floral Flavor: Experience the delicate floral notes that elevate your palate, making each bite a delightful surprise compared to traditional cakes. Moist and Creamy: Thanks to coconut milk, this cake is rich and moist, providing a luscious texture that complements the beautiful hue. Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for novices, this recipe offers a fun baking experience with straightforward steps, allowing anyone to create this unique dessert. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap coconut milk for almond or oat milk to tailor the flavors to your liking—just like the refreshing twist in my Oreo Cheesecake Decadent! With its crowd appeal and impressive presentation, this Butterfly Pea Flower Cake is bound to become your new favorite treat for special occasions. Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Ingredients For the Batter • All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structural backbone of the cake, contributing to a tender yet sturdy crumb. Substitution: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness while retaining moisture in the cake, ensuring each slice is soft. Notes: Adjust quantity to taste if desired. • Coconut Milk – Imparts tropical creaminess and richness, enhancing the cake’s flavor. Substitution: Other plant-based milks like almond or oat can be used. • Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist and helps achieve a tender texture since it remains liquid at room temperature. Usage Note: Do not substitute with butter for better moisture retention. • Eggs – Act as binders and leavening agents, ensuring the cake rises appropriately and maintains a smooth batter. • Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers – The star ingredient that lends the blue color and floral aroma. Prep Note: Steep in boiling water to draw out color and flavor. • Baking Powder – A leavening agent that allows the cake to rise and creates a fluffy texture. • Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor profile with warmth and sweetness, balancing the floral notes. • Salt – Enhances overall flavor, preventing the cake from tasting flat or overly sweet. • Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the flavors, while enhancing the color from the butterfly pea flowers. • Water – Used for steeping the butterfly pea flowers to capture their vibrant color. 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 it’s heating up, prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with vegetable oil and sprinkling flour to prevent sticking. This will ensure your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake comes out beautifully once baked. Step 2: Steep the Flowers In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the dried butterfly pea flowers and steep for 5-10 minutes until the water transforms into a vibrant blue. After steeping, strain out the flowers and allow the tea to cool a bit before mixing into the batter. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps create an even texture in your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake, enhancing its fluffy outcome later on. Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients In another bowl, combine the cooled butterfly pea flower tea, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix these ingredients until you have a smooth blend; this will infuse your cake with a delightful floral flavor. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake. Remember, we’re aiming for a light and airy Butterfly Pea Flower Cake. Step 6: Pour and Smooth Carefully pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring it spreads evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even layer. This helps the cake bake uniformly and look appetizing when it’s done baking. Step 7: Bake the Cake Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on the color, which should turn a lovely light blue as it bakes. Step 8: Cool the Cake Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and prevents it from becoming soggy. Step 9: Frost the Cake Once completely cooled, frost your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for an elegant finish. You can add natural decorations like edible flowers or toasted coconut flakes to enhance its beauty and flavor. What to Serve with Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Elevate your dessert experience by pairing the vibrant Butterfly Pea Flower Cake with delightful complements that enhance its floral notes and creamy texture. Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: A perfect contrast, this rich frosting adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the cake’s delicate flavor. Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a crunchy, tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the cake’s creamy coconut milk. Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of tart raspberries or blueberries to provide a burst of freshness, balancing the cake’s sweetness. Mint-Infused Tea: Pair your cake with a refreshing mint tea; the soothing herbal notes complement the floral essence perfectly. Citrus Zest Garnish: Add a sprinkle of lemon or lime zest on top of the cake before serving for an aromatic pop that brightens each bite. Creamy Coconut Sorbet: This cool and refreshing treat will enhance the tropical vibes, providing a light dessert option after your sweet indulgence. Light Sparkling Wine: A glass of light sparkling wine or prosecco can elevate the experience, bringing a celebratory fizz to your dessert table. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Finely shaved dark chocolate can add a touch of bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. Lemon Basil Ice Cream: This unique ice cream offers a lush creamy texture with herbal notes, adding an elegant flair to your dessert ensemble. Expert Tips for Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Cool the Tea: Ensure the butterfly pea flower tea cools before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling the eggs, which can ruin your cake texture. Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry—overmixing can lead to a dense Butterfly Pea Flower Cake instead of a light and airy masterpiece. Bake Time Check: Keep an eye on baking time. Start checking at 25 minutes; you want a toothpick to come out clean for perfect doneness. Presentation Matters: For stunning visuals, consider frosting with contrasting colors or garnishing with edible flowers, creating an eye-catching display. Flavor Balance: Adding a tablespoon of zest—like lemon or lime—can enhance the floral flavor, making each bite of your unique dessert even more delightful. Make Ahead Options These Butterfly Pea Flower Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal planning! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients separately, then refrigerating the wet mixture and the dry mixture until you’re ready to combine them for baking. Also, you can bake the cake and store it, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days—just allow it to cool completely first. To maintain its moist texture, frost only before serving. When it’s time to enjoy, simply frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This keeps it moist while still allowing the delightful floral flavors to shine through. Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or vacuum-sealed to minimize freezer burn. The cake will stay good for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy the cake after freezing, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving, or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy treat. Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Variations Feel free to get creative and adapt the Butterfly Pea Flower Cake to suit your taste preferences! Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a refreshing change that still keeps the cake moist. Imagine the pleasant nutty undertones mingling with floral notes! Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice to introduce a sweeter, citrusy flavor that complements the floral aroma—perfect for a sunny day. Different Sweeteners: Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar to explore different sweetness profiles in your cake. This will add depth to your delightful dessert! Butterfly Pea Powder: If dried flowers are hard to find, use butterfly pea flower powder instead. Adjust the water content for the perfect consistency, adding an exotic spin to your baking adventure! Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder (about 1/2 cup) to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolatey surprise that balances beautifully with the floral notes. Who can resist chocolate? Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an added crunchy texture that complements the soft cake. The delightful contrast will surely impress! Heat Level: For a little kick, add a pinch of chili powder to the batter, which can create a whimsical twist to balance the sweetness without overwhelming the floral flavors. Fruity Additions: Mix in fresh blueberries or slices of ripe mango before baking for an added burst of flavor, creating a tropical paradise in each bite. For those who love wrapping their taste buds around unique experiences, the Butterfly Pea Flower Cake opens the door to endless possibilities. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream from my Ice Cream Cake for a truly delightful treat! Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Recipe FAQs What are the best ways to select dried butterfly pea flowers? Absolutely! When selecting dried butterfly pea flowers, look for ones that are bright blue with no dark spots all over them. Freshness is key; they should have a fragrant, subtle floral aroma. Be sure to purchase from a reputable source to ensure quality and flavor. How should I store leftover Butterfly Pea Flower Cake? To keep your cake at its best, store it covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for up to one week, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to retain moisture. Always have some leftover as it’s a delightful snack! Can I freeze Butterfly Pea Flower Cake? Yes, you can! For freezing, slice the unfrosted cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the slices in a zip-top bag or vacuum-seal them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and it will taste as wonderful as the day you baked it! What should I do if my cake turns out dense? If your Butterfly Pea Flower Cake comes out dense, it’s often due to overmixing the batter. Always fold the wet and dry ingredients gently until combined—this helps keep your cake light and fluffy. Additionally, check that your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents may not provide enough rise. Is this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Yes! This Butterfly Pea Flower Cake is vegetarian-friendly. If you have gluten sensitivities, consider using a gluten-free flour alternative. For those with nut allergies, be cautious with substitutions like almond milk; stick to coconut or oat milk as excellent plant-based alternatives. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Butterfly Pea Flower Cake Butterfly Pea Flower Cake is a stunning treat that combines vibrant colors, floral flavors, and creamy textures, perfect for impressing your guests. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AsianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter2 cups All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.1 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust quantity to taste if desired.1 cup Coconut Milk Other plant-based milks can be used.1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Do not substitute with butter.3 large Eggs1/2 cup Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers Steep in boiling water.2 teaspoons Baking Powder1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1/2 teaspoon Salt1 tablespoon Lemon Juice1/4 cup Water Used for steeping the butterfly pea flowers. Equipment 9-inch round cake panMixing bowlsWhiskSpatulaSaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and sprinkling flour.Boil 1/4 cup of water, then steep the dried butterfly pea flowers for 5-10 minutes. Strain and let cool.In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.In another bowl, mix the cooled butterfly pea tea, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.Combine the wet and dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.Pour the batter into the cake pan and smooth the top.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.Frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, adding optional decorations. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, cool the butterfly pea tea before adding to the batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture. Check the cake at 25 minutes for doneness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!