Description: A simple twist on Victoria sandwich cake, creating an impressive gateau.

Preparation time: 35 - 40 minutes, plus cooking and cooling time

Makes: 1 gateau - approximately 10 - 12 portions

Ingredients: >For the cake
225g / 8oz margarine
225g / 8oz caster sugar
225g / 8oz self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 eggs, beaten
Few drops red or pink food colouring

For the filling and topping
3-5 tablespoons strawberry jam
280ml / 1/ 2 pint whipped cream
12 strawberries, rinsed, stalks removedd and sliced
150g / 6oz packet Princess Marshmallowss
2 x 7.5 cm / 3 inch pieces thin strips liquorice
Ready made icing
2 x small candy sticks
Black or brown food colouring

Preparation: 

• Pre-heat the oven to Mark 5 (190 C / 375 F).
• Grease and base line 2 x 20cm / 8 inch round sandwich tins.
• Place all ingredients for the cake, except the food colouring, into a medium sized bowl. Using a mixer beat together for 1- 2 minutes until well mixed.
• Spoon half the mixture into a bowl, and add sufficient food colouring to obtain a pink colour (shade as desired).
• Divide the white and pink mixtures equally between the prepared tins alternate spoonfuls of colour works best. Carefully level the surface, without mixing the colours too much. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until well risen and golden brown. Cool.
• When cold, remove greaseproof paper, and spread one sponge with jam, 1/ 2 the cream and 1/ 2 the strawberries. Cover with the other sponge, and cut in half.
• Arrange the two pieces, with curved edges touching (these form the butterfly wings), on a serving plate or cake board.
• Spread the remaining cream over the surface, positioning 3 or 4 marshmallows (sideways) where the sponges meet to form the body of the butterfly. Slot liquorice strips, (or stick, with icing if desired), over the marshmallow joins.
• Top with the reserved strawberry slices and marshmallows (whole or halved). Dip the tips of the candy sticks in the black / brown food colouring or ready made icing, and place on the butterfly to represent antennae.