The Butterfly Pea Flower Bundt Cake is a stunning dessert that captivates with its natural blue marbling and floral elegance. Colored with butterfly pea flower powder, this light and subtly sweet cake delivers a delicate flavor with a soft, velvety crumb. The finishing touch—a smooth, blue glaze and edible blooms—makes it a perfect choice for spring gatherings, garden parties, or any occasion where beauty and taste go hand in hand. Its striking appearance and gentle charm are sure to make it the centerpiece of any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is more than just beautiful—it’s a delightful fusion of natural color, floral flavor, and tender texture. You’ll love how the butterfly pea flower powder transforms the cake into a visual masterpiece without any artificial dyes. The vanilla-scented crumb is light and moist, and the marble effect adds artistic flair. Whether you’re hosting an elegant brunch, celebrating the season, or simply looking for a unique and enchanting dessert, this bundt cake is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
Butterfly pea flower powder

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or lemon juice
Butterfly pea flower powder
Edible flowers or baby’s breath (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly into two portions. Stir butterfly pea flower powder into one half to achieve a rich blue hue.
Spoon both batters alternately into the prepared bundt pan. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the batters together to create a marble effect.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and butterfly pea flower powder until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and garnish with edible flowers if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per slice

Variations

Citrus Twist: Use lemon juice in the glaze and add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing floral-citrus balance.
Vegan Option: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan margarine, and use egg replacer or applesauce.
Lavender Infusion: Add a pinch of dried culinary lavender for a deeper floral complexity.
Layered Effect: Create a three-tone effect by mixing varying amounts of butterfly pea powder in separate batter portions.
Mini Bundts: Bake in individual mini bundt pans for elegant single servings.
Color-Changing Glaze: Add lemon juice to the butterfly pea glaze to naturally shift the color to purple.
Tea Infusion: Steep butterfly pea flowers in milk and use the infused milk for additional depth.
Nutty Texture: Fold in finely chopped almonds or pistachios for a gentle crunch.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving. To freeze, wrap the unglazed cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving. The cake does not require reheating, but a few seconds in the microwave can restore its softness if chilled.

FAQs

What is butterfly pea flower powder?

Butterfly pea flower powder is a natural plant-based coloring derived from dried butterfly pea flowers. It imparts a brilliant blue hue and mild floral flavor.

Can I use butterfly pea tea instead of powder?

Yes, but you may need to reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the right batter consistency, and the color may be more subtle.

Does the powder affect the taste of the cake?

The flavor is very mild, allowing the vanilla and sweetness of the cake to shine through with just a hint of floral essence.

How do I achieve the marble effect?

Alternate spoonfuls of the colored and plain batter into the pan and gently swirl with a skewer or knife for a beautiful marbled pattern.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature, and glaze it closer to serving time for best appearance.

Why use lemon juice in the glaze?

Lemon juice balances the sweetness and, when mixed with butterfly pea powder, can create a stunning purple glaze due to its acidity.

Is this cake suitable for children?

Yes, it is naturally colored and mildly flavored, making it suitable and safe for children to enjoy.

What other decorations can I use?

Try topping the glaze with edible glitter, sugar pearls, or herbs like mint for added beauty.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

How should I store leftover glaze?

Store any extra glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using again.

Conclusion

The Butterfly Pea Flower Bundt Cake is an enchanting dessert that blends natural beauty with refined taste. Its striking blue swirls, tender crumb, and elegant floral glaze make it a memorable centerpiece for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, this cake brings a magical quality to your table—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary.