Description
Sweet Easter memories come alive with this adorable Easter Bunny Cake, perfect for family gatherings. Delightful layers of moist cake, fluffy frosting, and playful decorations create a whimsical centerpiece you’ll cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) white or vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
Frosting and Coating:
- 2 cups (16 ounces / 454 grams) vanilla frosting
- 1 ½ cups (120 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
Decorative Elements:
- Jelly beans
- Candy-coated chocolates
- Red licorice strings
- Pink construction paper or pink sprinkles
- Optional: Green-tinted coconut or green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating two 8-inch circular pans with grease and flour. Whisk together cake mix ingredients following package guidelines, ensuring smooth incorporation of liquid and egg components. Distribute batter uniformly across prepared pans, maintaining equal volume.
- Slide pans into a preheated 350F (175C) oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the cake’s center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Position one cake layer centrally on a spacious serving platter, establishing the bunny’s foundational head shape. Strategically slice the second cake layer, creating distinctive ear and bow tie configurations. Carve two gently curved ear sections from outer cake edges, preserving the central portion for the bow tie.
- Meticulously apply an initial thin frosting layer, sealing cake crumbs and creating a smooth base. Refrigerate briefly to stabilize the initial coating. Generously spread a uniform frosting layer, completely enveloping the cake’s surface.
- Transform the cake’s appearance by sprinkling shredded coconut, generating a soft, furry texture. Enhance facial features using jelly beans or candy-coated chocolates for eyes and nose. Craft delicate whiskers and mouth using slender red licorice strands.
- Elevate the aesthetic by adding pink-tinted coconut or sprinkles to ear regions. Optional: scatter green-tinted coconut around the cake’s base, simulating a verdant landscape. Carefully arrange decorative elements to capture playful bunny characteristics.
Notes
- Prep in Advance: Bake cake layers a day ahead and store wrapped in plastic to prevent drying out, ensuring maximum moisture and easier decorating process.
- Smooth Frosting Technique: Use an offset spatula or bench scraper for even, clean frosting application, rotating the cake stand while creating smooth surfaces.
- Coconut Coverage: Gently press shredded coconut onto frosting to create an even, fluffy fur-like texture without leaving bare spots.
- Allergy-Friendly Modifications: Swap traditional cake mix for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives, using applesauce or mashed banana as egg replacements for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg