Save A whimsical, moist carrot cake shaped and decorated to resemble a charming spring bunny, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.
This cake was a delightful centerpiece at our family gathering, bringing smiles and compliments from everyone.
Ingredients
- Carrot Cake: 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1 cup (220 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 4 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 3 cups (300 g) grated carrots, 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts or pecans optional, 1/2 cup (80 g) raisins optional
- Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Decoration: 1 cup (100 g) shredded coconut for fur, Pink food coloring for ears and nose, Brown or black candies or chocolate chips for eyes, Marshmallows for tail and cheeks, Edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- Beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots and if using nuts and raisins.
- Bake:
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt beating until fluffy.
- Assemble:
- Place one round cake as bunny's face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from second cake for ears; use remaining piece to form bunny's bowtie or feet.
- Decorate:
- Arrange on large platter. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle shredded coconut over frosted cake to resemble fur.
- Color coconut:
- Tint small amount of coconut pink for ear centers and nose; apply accordingly.
- Add features:
- Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes; marshmallows for cheeks and tail.
- Finish decoration:
- Decorate with edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles as desired.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Save This cake has become a special tradition during springtime when we gather with loved ones to celebrate new beginnings.
Notes
Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation. Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot tea. Cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
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.
Save This charming cake is sure to brighten any celebration and impress guests with both taste and design.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices enhance the flavor of this carrot cake?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ground ginger provide warmth and depth to the cake's flavor.
- → Can I omit nuts and still maintain texture?
Yes, excluding nuts won’t affect the moistness; raisins can add natural chewiness if included.
- → How is the bunny shape created?
The cake is baked in round pans, then cut into ovals for ears and other parts, arranged to resemble a bunny.
- → What gives the frosting its creamy consistency?
A combination of cream cheese and unsalted butter beaten smooth, with powdered sugar and vanilla for sweetness.
- → How do the decorations mimic bunny features?
Shredded coconut simulates fur, pink-tinted coconut highlights ears and nose, while candies and marshmallows form eyes, cheeks, and tail.
- → How long should the cake chill before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the frosting and ease slicing.