Name: Lemon butterfly fairy cakes recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Makes: 18
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 175g (6oz) butter, softened; 175g (6oz) caster sugar; 3 large eggs; 175g (6oz) self-raising flour, sifted; Zest of 1 lemon; 250g (9oz) tub mascarpone; 2tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting; 6tbsp lemon curd

By Jessica Dady

published 22 April 2021

These lemon butterfly fairy cakes, also known as butterfly buns are topped with lemon curd and dusted with icing sugar.

The delicious, zesty lemon sponge and the light and creamy mascarpone pair perfectly together. This recipe makes 18 butterfly fairy cakes and will take around 45 mins to prepare and bake. Ready in just three simple steps.

Ingredients

175g (6oz) butter, softened
175g (6oz) caster sugar
3 large eggs
175g (6oz) self-raising flour, sifted
Zest of 1 lemon
250g (9oz) tub mascarpone
2tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
6tbsp lemon curd

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Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F, gas mark 4). Line 2 bun tins with 18 paper cases. Beat the butter, eggs, flour and sugar together using a wooden spoon or electric hand whisk, until the mixture is light, fluffy and drops off the spoon or mixer easily. Fold in the lemon zest.
Divide mixture between the paper cases. Bake for 20 mins until cakes have risen and are golden. Leave to cool on a wire rack.
3 When the cakes are cold, cut off tops and set aside. Beat together the mascarpone and 2tbsp of icing sugar. Put a teaspoon of the filling, plus a teaspoon of lemon curd, on each cake. Cut the tops in half and stick into the mixture. Dust with icing sugar to serve.

Top tips for making lemon butterfly fairy cakes

You could use cream cheese or freshly whipped cream instead of mascarpone if preferred.

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Jessica Dady is Food Editor at Goodto.com and has over 10 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the best food hampers to cookbooks, from the best cake stands to kitchen appliances, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to must-have food products. A passionate baker, she spends some of her time creating celebration cakes for friends and family including her two lucky children.