Easter is the perfect occasion for indulging in whimsical and delightful desserts, and one of the best ways to do so is with a charming bunny cake. This Easter holiday, consider creating a crowd-pleasing treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum enjoyment. This adorable bunny cake draws inspiration from a 1970s Baker’s Coconut advertisement and has become a beloved tradition for many, frequently revisited by bakers on platforms like Reddit.
While I might not be attending a traditional Easter gathering this year, I can never pass up the opportunity to bake. With the oven preheated and ready to go, I embarked on making this nostalgic dessert.
Access the recipe: Easter Bunny Cake
What You Need for the Bunny Cake
The bunny cake recipe is simple and allows for either store-bought items or homemade alternatives. Gather two 9-inch cake rounds, your preferred frosting (store-bought or homemade), candies for decoration, shredded sweetened coconut, and red or pink food coloring.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Crafting Your Easter Bunny Cake
Bake your cakes—whether from a box or from scratch—and then focus on assembly. Grab one of the cake layers to form the face of the bunny and cut the other into the ears and bow tie.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Assemble your cake on a serving board, placing the ears and bow tie around the main cake round. Frost liberally, combine the pieces with frosting, and then blanket the cake with coconut. Dye a small amount of coconut for the inner ears and decorate with your choice of Easter candies to bring the bunny’s face to life.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Decorating is where you can really get creative. Sprinkles, jelly beans, and various candies can be used to customize your bunny cake’s appearance.
My Bunny Cake Experience
The cake, inspired by Magnolia Bakery’s vanilla cake recipe, was delightful to bake and decorate. Skeptical of my own cake-sculpting abilities, I found that envisioning and pre-sketching the shapes needed for the ears and bow tie aided in the process. The outcome was not only a joy to create but also presented a fantastic baking project for families to enjoy together.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Helpful Hints for Your Bunny Cake
- Have additional ingredients on hand. You might need extra frosting or coconut, especially if you’re covering up any imperfections.
- Variety is key with candies. The Easter candy selection is vast, so choose your favorites to personalize your cake.
- Invest in a large board for serving. A foam core or large board not only serves as a great platform for your bunny cake but also makes transport and cleanup a breeze.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade cake and frosting for the Bunny Cake?
- Yes, you can use your preferred recipes for both cake and frosting.
- What if I’m not confident in shaping the cake?
- Try pre-sketching the shape on parchment paper as a template for your cuts.
- Are there allergen-friendly alternatives for the Bunny Cake?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free, dairy-free, or other allergen-friendly products as needed.
Conclusion
Reviving a piece of ’70s nostalgia, the Bunny Cake provides not only a tasty Easter dessert but also an opportunity for family fun and creativity. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this delightful cake is certain to spread Easter cheer. With simple store-bought ingredients or homemade touches, a little bit of planning, and an appetite for fun, you’re guaranteed to end up with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Hop into the kitchen and let the Easter baking begin!