Save A whimsical, moist carrot cake shaped and decorated to resemble a charming spring bunny, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.
This recipe has been a hit at every Easter gathering in my family. The bunny design always brings smiles and compliments.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (320 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (220 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) packed
- Large eggs: 4
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Unsweetened applesauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Grated carrots: 3 cups (300 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1 cup (120 g)
- Raisins (optional): 1/2 cup (80 g)
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz (225 g)
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 3 1/2 cups (440 g)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Pinch of salt:
- Shredded coconut (for fur): 1 cup (100 g)
- Pink food coloring (for ears and nose):
- Brown or black candies/chocolate chips (for eyes):
- Marshmallows (for tail and cheeks):
- Edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles (optional):
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Step 4:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots, and if using, nuts and raisins.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- To assemble the bunny: Place one round cake as the bunny's face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from the second cake for ears use the remaining piece to form the bunny's bowtie or feet.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a large platter. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting.
- Step 10:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to resemble fur.
- Step 11:
- Tint a small amount of coconut pink for the ear centers and nose apply accordingly.
- Step 12:
- Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes marshmallows for cheeks and tail.
- Step 13:
- Decorate with edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles as desired.
- Step 14:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Save This cake always brings the family together, with everyone admiring the bunny design and enjoying a delicious slice.
Required Tools
2 x 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans Mixing bowls Electric mixer Spatula Serrated knife Offset spatula (for frosting) Parchment paper Large serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs dairy (cream cheese butter) wheat (gluten) and optionally tree nuts (if added) Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens especially cream cheese and candies
Nutritional Information
Calories 490 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 60 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save This charming carrot cake will brighten your celebrations and impress your guests with both taste and presentation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What spices are used in the carrot cake?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ground ginger provide warm, aromatic notes that enhance the cake's flavor.
- → Can nuts be omitted from the cake?
Yes, nuts such as walnuts or pecans are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version without compromising texture much.
- → How is the bunny shape achieved?
The cake is baked in two round pans; one remains whole for the face, while the second is cut into ovals for ears and other features, then assembled and decorated.
- → What gives the cake its moist texture?
The combination of vegetable oil, applesauce, and fresh carrots ensures a moist and tender crumb throughout the cake.
- → How is the bunny's fur created?
Shredded coconut is gently sprinkled over the frosted cake to mimic soft, fluffy fur, with some tinted pink for ear and nose details.
- → What types of decorations are used aside from coconut?
Edible flowers, pastel candies, chocolate chips for eyes, and marshmallows for cheeks and tail complete the charming adornment.