Easter Bunny Cake Coconut Frosting

There's something truly magical about an Easter Bunny Cake that captures the joy and whimsy of spring celebrations. This adorable creation combines tender vanilla cake layers with fluffy coconut frosting, transforming simple ingredients into an enchanting centerpiece that delights guests of all ages. The soft, buttery cake provides the perfect canvas for creative decoration, while the sweet coconut coating adds texture and charm reminiscent of a bunny's soft fur.

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This Easter Bunny Cake recipe brings together the best of American baking traditions with a playful twist. The moist vanilla layers are made from scratch using quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying. What makes this recipe special is the transformation from ordinary round cakes into an adorable bunny shape, achieved through simple cutting and clever arrangement. The coconut frosting not only tastes divine but creates that signature fluffy bunny appearance that makes this cake so memorable.

Ingredients

• Cake: 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• Coconut Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar sifted, ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 cups (200 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• Decoration: Pink food coloring, jelly beans or candy-coated chocolate eggs, licorice strings for whiskers, mini marshmallows for tail and cheeks, black edible gel or chocolate chips for eyes and nose

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pans and oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fill pans and bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare frosting

While cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Tint frosting

Set aside ½ cup of frosting in a separate bowl and tint with pink food coloring for bunny ears and nose.

Step 9: Shape and arrange cake

Once cakes are completely cool, cut one round cake to form the bunny's ears and bow tie. Arrange on a large board: one round for the face, two ear shapes above, and the bow tie below.

Step 10: Apply crumb coat

Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill 15 minutes.

Step 11: Frost and coat with coconut

Frost the cake generously with remaining white frosting. Press shredded coconut over all frosted surfaces for a fluffy effect.

Step 12: Decorate

Use pink-tinted frosting to fill in the bunny's inner ears and nose. Decorate the face with jelly beans or candies for eyes, chocolate chips or gel for nose, licorice strings for whiskers, and mini marshmallows for cheeks and tail.

Step 13: Serve

Serve and enjoy!

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a visual guide to cutting and assembling the bunny shape, search Easter Bunny Cake template online. This will help you understand exactly how to transform one round cake into ears and a bow tie. Cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature, which actually makes assembly easier as the cake is firmer and less likely to crumble. When applying the crumb coat, use an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage, and don't skip the 15-minute chill time as it sets the base layer and makes the final frosting application much cleaner. Press the coconut gently but firmly into the frosting to ensure it adheres well.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute coconut with toasted coconut for extra flavor and a golden appearance that adds depth to the bunny's coat. For a tangy twist, use cream cheese frosting instead of the traditional buttercream, which pairs beautifully with the vanilla cake. If coconut isn't your preference, you can omit it entirely and use piped frosting techniques to create texture. The decoration options are endless: swap jelly beans for pastel M&Ms, use fondant for more precise facial features, or add edible flowers around the base for an elegant touch. You can also make this cake chocolate by substituting ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder.

Serviervorschläge

This Easter Bunny Cake serves 10-12 people and makes a stunning centerpiece for your Easter brunch or dinner table. Present it on a large decorative platter or cake board, surrounded by fresh spring flowers, chocolate eggs, or pastel-colored napkins to enhance the festive atmosphere. Pair each slice with a light Moscato or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing complement to the sweet frosting. For children's parties, serve alongside fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature when the frosting is soft and the cake texture is at its peak.

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Creating this Easter Bunny Cake is more than just baking—it's about crafting memories and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone around your table. The combination of soft vanilla cake, sweet coconut frosting, and playful decorations makes this dessert an unforgettable part of your Easter celebration. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying something new, this medium-difficulty recipe offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward. The joy on children's faces when they see this adorable bunny creation makes every minute of preparation worthwhile. Happy baking and happy Easter!

Recipe Guide

→ How do I shape the bunny ears for the cake?

Once cooled, cut one round cake into ear shapes using a serrated knife, following a template or freehand; arrange above the main cake for the ears.

→ Can I use alternative frostings instead of coconut?

Yes, toasted coconut enhances flavor or cream cheese frosting can add a tangy contrast to the sweet vanilla layers.

→ What is the best way to keep the cake moist?

Ensure precise measurement of ingredients and avoid overbaking; an initial crumb coat helps seal moisture before final frosting application.

→ How should I store the decorated cake?

Store in a cool place or refrigerate, covered to protect decorations, and serve within a day for optimal freshness.

→ Are there any allergy considerations with the decorations?

Check candies carefully as they may contain tree nuts; the cake itself contains gluten, eggs, milk, and coconut.