Name: Easter Bunny Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-483225H27M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (more if needed for desired consistency); Pink food coloring (for the bunny’s nose); Green food coloring (optional, for decorating the cake board); Shredded coconut (for bunny’s fur); Jelly beans or candy for eyes and nose

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Is there anything more fun and festive than an adorable Easter Bunny Cake? This cheerful cake is not only a showstopper, but it’s also a treat that will make your guests smile from ear to ear. With fluffy layers of cake, a sweet buttercream frosting, and the cutest bunny face you ever did see, this cake is everything Easter should be: bright, fun, and full of flavor!

Trust me, this cake is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or just want to bring a little extra joy to your day, this Easter Bunny Cake is sure to steal the show. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the sweet moments with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Easter Bunny Cake

This cake is not just delicious—it’s an absolute blast to make and enjoy! Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Super Cute Design

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a cake that’s shaped like a bunny? The simple but adorable design will wow everyone at your Easter gathering. It’s perfect for both kids and adults, making it a true crowd-pleaser!

Delicious and Light

The cake itself is fluffy, moist, and perfectly balanced, with a sweet buttercream frosting that complements it without overwhelming the flavor. It’s not too rich or heavy—just the right balance of sweetness for a festive treat.

Easy to Customize

You can make the bunny as cute and colorful as you like! Add some pastel-colored sprinkles, or even use shredded coconut for the bunny’s fur. You could also swap out the cake flavors if you want something different, like chocolate or carrot cake. The options are endless!

A Perfect Easter Centerpiece

This cake isn’t just for dessert—it’s the centerpiece of your Easter celebration. Imagine this cake gracing your table, instantly adding charm and festivity to your gathering. It’s the kind of cake that makes your celebration feel even more special.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this cake—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is a delightful Easter centerpiece that everyone will adore. Let’s break it down:

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour: The base of our cake, providing the perfect fluffy texture.

Sugar: Sweetness that balances out the flavors and adds a little extra indulgence.
Baking powder: To give the cake the perfect rise.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.

Eggs: They provide structure and moisture, making the cake nice and tender.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps make the cake soft and light.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.

Vanilla extract: For a lovely, warm flavor that rounds out the sweetness.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Unsalted butter: The base of our frosting, creating that smooth, creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect spreadable consistency.

Heavy cream (or milk): Adds creaminess and helps achieve the right frosting texture.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch for extra flavor.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.

For Decoration:

Shredded coconut: Used for the bunny’s fur, adding texture and a fun, fluffy look.
Pink jelly beans: For the bunny’s cute little nose.
Candy eyes: Or chocolate chips for the bunny’s eyes—they give the bunny some personality!

Pink frosting: For the inner part of the bunny’s ears.
Pastel sprinkles (optional): For a festive, colorful touch.

(Note: Measurements for each ingredient will be listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the cutest cake of the season? Let’s dive into the steps!

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer of cake on a large serving platter. Spread a thick layer of buttercream frosting on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top, and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up the crumb coat.

Step 4: Decorate the Bunny

Now comes the fun part! Once the crumb coat is set, apply a final, thicker layer of frosting around the entire cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Here’s where the magic happens:

For the bunny’s face: Take a large handful of shredded coconut and gently press it into the frosting to create a fuzzy fur texture.
For the ears: Cut two triangles from a piece of cardboard or a similar material and cover them with pink frosting for the inner ears. Position them on top of the cake to form the bunny’s ears.

For the eyes: Place two candy eyes or chocolate chips on the cake for the bunny’s eyes.
For the nose: Use a pink jelly bean for the bunny’s nose.
Optional details: Add some pastel sprinkles or extra coconut around the base of the cake for a festive touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Easter Bunny Cake is decorated, you’re ready to serve! Slice it up and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig into this adorable and delicious treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 slices
Calories per serving: Approx. 350-400 calories (depending on size and decoration)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Decoration Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours (including cooling time)

How to Serve Easter Bunny Cake

This cake is perfect for Easter celebrations, but it’s also great for any springtime occasion. Here’s how you can serve it:

With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
As a Standalone Dessert: The cake is so cute, it’s sure to be the star of the show all on its own!

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Perfect for an afternoon treat, pair it with a hot drink for a delightful combo.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can bake the cakes the day before and store them in an airtight container. Frost and decorate the next day for less stress.
Coconut-Free: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip the shredded coconut and decorate the bunny with frosting or colored sprinkles instead.

Cake Variations: Feel free to use a different cake flavor—chocolate or carrot cake would be perfect for this festive occasion!
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a boxed cake mix for this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a boxed cake mix works just fine. Just follow the package directions and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Q2: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can make the frosting a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before using it.

Q3: Can I use a different frosting flavor?

A3: Of course! While buttercream is classic, you can swap it for cream cheese frosting or even a whipped cream frosting if you prefer.

Q4: How do I keep the coconut from falling off the cake?

A4: Make sure your frosting is smooth and thick enough to hold the coconut in place. Press it gently into the frosting so it sticks.

Q5: How can I make this cake gluten-free?

A5: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure your frosting ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make this cake in advance?

A6: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Frost and decorate the next day.

Q7: Can I add other decorations?

A7: Definitely! You can add candy flowers, mini chocolate bunnies, or even colored sprinkles to make your cake extra festive.

Q8: How do I make the ears stand up?

A8: To make the ears stand up, you can create a support with a piece of cardboard or stiff paper covered in frosting. Make sure they’re stable before adding them to the cake.

Q9: Can I make a mini version of this cake?

A9: Yes, you can make individual bunny cakes by using smaller cake pans. Just scale the ingredients down accordingly!

Q10: What kind of cake pans should I use?

A10: Two 8-inch round cake pans work perfectly for this recipe. You could also use 9-inch pans if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

This Easter Bunny Cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! With its cute bunny design and deliciously light texture, it’s sure to be the highlight of your Easter celebration. So roll up your sleeves, get your baking tools ready, and bring a little extra joy to your holiday with this sweet treat. Happy baking!

Easter Bunny Cake